UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Week Ending 21 June 2025

The UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 update from AHDB shows mixed results. Cattle prices weakened, while sheep values edged higher on tighter supplies.

Cattle Market Overview

Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all categories. The all-prime average reached 633p/kg, which was 157p above 2024 and 202p above the five-year average.

The heifer category recorded the sharpest drop, losing 9p/kg. Steers and young bulls fell by 8p/kg and 5p/kg, respectively. Cull cow prices also eased, down 7p/kg to 503p/kg.

Slaughter numbers decreased. Prime cattle kill fell by 2,000 head to 31,700, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head—a 3.2% decline year-on-year.

In contrast, store cattle values edged higher. Native steers (12–18 months) averaged £1,335.70/head, while native heifers reached £1,129/head.

Sheep Market Overview

The NSL SQQ lamb price climbed 25p/kg to 749p/kg. Clean sheep slaughter rose to 182,400 head, rebounding after lower numbers during the Qurbani period.

Year-to-date throughput now totals 5.2 million head, an increase of 3.8% compared with 2024. Importantly, new season lambs accounted for 79% of finished live market throughput, confirming the near end of carryover supplies.

Market Outlook

Overall, the UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 reflects seasonal adjustments. Cattle values softened as supplies remained steady, while lamb prices gained ground. Export demand, weather patterns, and upcoming festival-driven consumption are expected to shape the market in the weeks ahead.

Original data sourced from AHDB.

Stornoway Abattoir Faces Uncertain Future – June 2025

The Stornoway abattoir future June 2025 remains unclear as falling usage and rising costs challenge the viability of the facility. Operated by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, it is the UK’s only local authority-run abattoir.

Declining Use and Rising Costs

The abattoir fell short of its £184,000 income target last year. At a recent transport and infrastructure committee meeting, Lochs councillor Angus Morrison warned crofters to make greater use of the facility. He said bluntly: “It is either use it or lose it.”

Slaughter fees are due to increase by 5%, pushing the cost of processing a sheep to around £44. Morrison stressed that the price rise is necessary for long-term sustainability.

However, officials also reported that some crofters are slaughtering livestock at home, bypassing the site. A wider decline in sheep numbers across the Western Isles is also reducing throughput.

Local Concerns

Councillor Donald Crichton noted that bureaucratic hurdles are discouraging crofters from expanding flocks. This adds further pressure on the abattoir. Last year, the council provided £50,000 from Crown Estate funding to keep the facility running. It also delayed the seasonal opening to save an additional £14,000.

Market Outlook

The future of the Stornoway abattoir now depends heavily on community support. Local leaders argue that without greater use from crofters, the abattoir risks closure. For rural communities in the Outer Hebrides, that could mean losing a vital local service.

In summary, the Stornoway abattoir future June 2025 update shows an industry under pressure. Costs are rising, numbers are falling, and survival depends on increased support from crofters and farmers.

Source: BBC News. 

Australian Sheep Meat Industry Booms with Record Prices and Export Growth

The Australian sheep meat industry June 2025 is enjoying record highs. Prices and exports are surging, marking a sharp recovery from the oversupply crisis of 2023.

Strong Export Growth

In the first five months of 2025, exports of Australian sheep meat jumped by 40% year-on-year. According to Reuters, this growth reflects tight global supplies and rising demand, especially from the United States and China.

Improved weather and stronger pasture availability have also supported the rebound. Farmers are rebuilding herds strategically after a difficult 2023, when oversupply drove prices to unsustainable lows.

Record Prices

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) confirmed that lamb prices have reached unprecedented levels, with average export values climbing steadily. The U.S. has now become the top buyer of Australian lamb. At the same time, China remains the primary market for mutton, underlining the importance of diversified export channels.

Industry Outlook

Industry analysts believe this positive momentum could last through the second half of 2025. However, the outlook depends on continued strong demand and Australia’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in both quality and supply chain efficiency.

For many farmers and exporters, this resurgence brings welcome relief. Just two years ago, the sector faced heavy financial pressure from oversupply and weak global demand.

Sector Resilience

Overall, the Australian sheep meat industry June 2025 update demonstrates resilience in the red meat sector. With exports rising and prices hitting records, Australia has reinforced its role as a leading global supplier of lamb and mutton.

Original reporting by Reuters. 

USDA Explores Poultry Bird Flu Vaccination Plan Amid Export Concerns – June 2025

The USDA poultry bird flu vaccine plan June 2025 is under review as the U.S. Department of Agriculture considers vaccinating poultry for the first time. Officials are weighing how such a programme might affect critical export markets while aiming to protect domestic flocks.

Why It Matters

Since 2022, avian influenza has forced the culling of nearly 175 million chickens, turkeys, and other birds. This makes it the most severe animal health emergency in U.S. history. The loss of egg-laying hens pushed egg prices to record levels. Grocers rationed supplies, restaurants raised menu prices, and food manufacturers boosted imports from Turkey, Brazil, and South Korea.

To respond, the USDA committed $100 million to vaccine research and has already spent over $1 billion compensating farmers for culled flocks, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Industry and Government Action

Industry groups expect the USDA to publish a written plan by July. The department confirmed it is working with federal, state, and industry officials, while also consulting international trade partners to design the strategy.

One proposed plan from egg producers recommends initial vaccinations for baby chicks, followed by booster shots and regular flock testing. Birds testing positive would still be culled. This approach aims to reduce infection risk while maintaining confidence among global importers.

Market Impact

The debate highlights a central challenge: how to balance disease prevention with trade security. Vaccination may help stabilise domestic production, but some export markets could restrict imports from vaccinated flocks.

In conclusion, the USDA poultry bird flu vaccine plan June 2025 reflects both opportunity and risk. Success will depend on international acceptance, ongoing testing, and continued collaboration with trading partners.

Original reporting by Reuters: USDA develops potential plan to vaccinate poultry for bird flu

China Extends Anti-Dumping Probe on EU Pork Imports – June 2025

Global Markets – 13 June 2025. The China extends anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports update has raised concerns across the meat sector. Beijing announced a six-month extension, pushing its final decision to 16 December 2025.

Why It Matters

China is the world’s largest consumer of pork. At the same time, the European Union supplies more than half of China’s imported pork, valued at US $2.4 billion in 2024. The extended investigation threatens this critical trade flow.

Analysts widely view the move as a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The delay could influence global trade dynamics and create further uncertainty for European exporters.

Impact on EU Pork Exports

The ongoing review affects over US $2 billion worth of EU pork exports to China. Major suppliers such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark face the greatest exposure. In particular, China relies on the EU for pork offal, including pig ears, noses, and feet. These cuts are highly valued in Chinese cuisine, making any trade restrictions especially disruptive.

Market Outlook

Despite the tariff concerns, reports suggest that China and the EU may be close to an agreement on electric vehicle duties. If negotiations succeed, exporters could avoid significant trade barriers. However, if talks stall, the EU pork trade may face reduced access to the Chinese market.

Overall, the China extends anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports development highlights the fragile balance between trade policy and global meat supply. Exporters across Europe should monitor the situation closely, as outcomes in December 2025 will shape market opportunities for the year ahead.

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Original reporting by Ella Cao, Ethan Wang, Shi Bu and Ryan Woo. Edited by Louise Heavens. Published by Reuters on 13 June 2025.

Australian Lamb Market Records & Cattle Update – Mid-2025

The Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update highlights soaring lamb prices and steady cattle performance. Notably, lamb prices broke records while cattle markets remained stable.

Cattle Market Overview

Cattle yardings dropped 24% to 56,797 head, largely due to recent rains and a long weekend. In contrast, the Heavy Steer Indicator rose 6¢ to 361¢/kg liveweight (lwt). Notably, Victoria recorded 408¢/kg lwt, the highest in the state.

Meanwhile, restocker heifers weakened, falling 11¢ to 319¢/kg lwt as demand softened.

Sheep Market Highlights

Lamb yardings declined 38% to 132,105 head, with sheep yardings also down 42% to 59,637 head. However, market strength surged despite reduced supply.

The Trade Lamb Indicator rose to a record 1,050¢/kg carcass weight (cwt), now outpacing the heavy lamb figure of 1,042¢/kg cwt. Light lambs climbed to 928¢/kg cwt.

Major markets like Wagga saw standout sales. A pen of crossbred lambs (sub-40 kg) fetched A$424/head, while Yass marked the arrival of new-season lamb.

Slaughter Statistics

National cattle slaughter held firm at 152,530 head, despite shorter processing weeks. New South Wales helped, with an 8% rise offsetting weaker output in Western Australia. Overall slaughter remains 10% above 2024.

Sheep and lamb slaughter edged higher too. Lamb numbers totaled 461,658 head, while sheep reached 177,918. Combined, these figures amounted to 639,576 head, barely lower than the previous week.

Market Summary

Overall, the Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update reveals a market in transition. Lamb prices continue to break records, driven by tight supply and strong demand. Meanwhile, cattle markets remain resilient. Exports and domestic dynamics will likely steer the next phase of this trend.

Original source: MLA

China Extends Anti-Dumping Probe on EU Pork Imports – June 2025

Global Markets – 13 June 2025. The China extends anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports update has raised concerns across the meat sector. Beijing announced a six-month extension, pushing its final decision to 16 December 2025.

Why It Matters

China is the world’s largest consumer of pork. At the same time, the European Union supplies more than half of China’s imported pork, valued at US $2.4 billion in 2024. The extended investigation threatens this critical trade flow.

Analysts widely view the move as a response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. The delay could influence global trade dynamics and create further uncertainty for European exporters.

Impact on EU Pork Exports

The ongoing review affects over US $2 billion worth of EU pork exports to China. Major suppliers such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Denmark face the greatest exposure. In particular, China relies on the EU for pork offal, including pig ears, noses, and feet. These cuts are highly valued in Chinese cuisine, making any trade restrictions especially disruptive.

Market Outlook

Despite the tariff concerns, reports suggest that China and the EU may be close to an agreement on electric vehicle duties. If negotiations succeed, exporters could avoid significant trade barriers. However, if talks stall, the EU pork trade may face reduced access to the Chinese market.

Overall, the China extends anti-dumping probe on EU pork imports development highlights the fragile balance between trade policy and global meat supply. Exporters across Europe should monitor the situation closely, as outcomes in December 2025 will shape market opportunities for the year ahead.

Original source: UkrAgroConsult: China delays decision on EU pork imports

Lamb Prices Hit Record Highs in Australia – June 2025

The lamb prices June 2025 update reveals a record-breaking market. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), national lamb indicators have surged to unprecedented highs, even as winter supply remains tight.

Key Price Movements

All major lamb categories moved upwards in June:

• Light Lambs: 924¢/kg carcase weight (cwt)

• Trade Lambs: 1,049¢/kg cwt

• Heavy Lambs: 1,041¢/kg cwt

Notably, trade lamb prices overtook heavy lamb values for the first time. This reversal highlights a shift in buying behaviour, with strong interest in mid-weight animals.

Market Drivers

The seasonal winter lull in lamb supply has provided firm support to prices. In addition, demand from both domestic retailers and export markets such as the United States remains strong. Increased competition for limited mid-weight lambs has added further upward pressure on prices.

At the same time, weekly slaughter volumes stayed high, averaging around 471,000 head. However, upcoming processor closures over winter could slow the pace and tighten availability even further.

Outlook for Lamb Prices

Looking ahead, market conditions suggest that the lamb prices June 2025 highs are likely to persist in the short term. Prices may remain elevated until new-season lambs arrive in spring, which could help ease supply constraints.

Overall, the Australian lamb market update shows both opportunity and risk. Export demand is strong, but limited supplies and processing challenges could keep pressure on prices through the coming months.

Scotbeef Shuts Inverurie Site Amidst UK Meat Industry Challenges – June 2025

INVERURIE, ABERDEENSHIRE – 11 June 2025. The Scotbeef shuts Inverurie site June 2025 update has sparked major concern in the UK meat industry. The family-run processor confirmed the abattoir’s closure, which will result in the loss of 90 jobs in the local community.

Background

Scotbeef, established in 1920, has long supplied beef and lamb to leading UK retailers. In fact, the company became the first to launch the Aberdeen Angus brand in supermarkets back in 1993. Over the past two years, the Inverurie plant dramatically expanded its capacity, increasing slaughter volumes to more than ten times previous levels. However, this rapid growth came at a cost.

Reasons for the Closure

North Warwickshire Borough Council recently refused a retrospective planning application linked to the expansion of T&S Abattoir, citing animal welfare breaches, traffic issues, and noise concerns. Similarly, Scotbeef’s decision to close its Inverurie abattoir reflects “sustained challenges within the UK meat and beef industry,” according to BBC News. Rising operational costs and pressure from reduced livestock numbers have weighed heavily on the plant.

Moreover, local residents raised objections, warning about road congestion and odour problems. These community concerns added to the financial and regulatory pressures already facing the facility.

Impact on the Industry

While Scotbeef will continue operating at its Annan and Sheffield plants, the loss of the Inverurie site highlights the strain on rural infrastructure. Local farmers now face longer journeys and higher costs to process livestock, increasing pressure on already tight margins.

In summary, the Scotbeef shuts Inverurie site June 2025 decision is a clear signal of the ongoing UK meat industry challenges. It reflects both economic strain and animal welfare issues, while raising serious questions about the sustainability of local abattoirs in rural regions.

Source: BBC News

North Warwickshire Council Rejects T&S Abattoir Expansion – June 2025

Arley, UK – 11 June 2025. The North Warwickshire Council rejects T&S Abattoir expansion, halting the facility’s bid to grow operations. Councillors ruled against a retrospective planning application after hearing concerns from both regulators and local residents.

Background and Previous Issues

The abattoir in Arley was once a small butcher’s shop. However, after a change in ownership, the business expanded rapidly. It began processing more than ten times the animals it had handled in the past. At the same time, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) had already removed its licence due to serious animal welfare breaches, raising doubts about compliance and management.

Community and Council Concerns

During a recent North Warwickshire Borough Council planning committee meeting, councillors highlighted several issues. Road safety risks, heavier traffic, and increased noise all worried local representatives. Moreover, nearby residents expressed strong opposition, stressing that industrial-scale slaughter operations do not suit the village setting. Their objections, combined with the facility’s previous record, weighed heavily on the final decision.

Market and Local Impact

Despite strong demand in the wider meat industry, the refusal sends a clear message. The committee concluded that the North Warwickshire Council rejects T&S Abattoir expansion because it would cause “significant and demonstrable harm” to local communities. Although the plant had already carried out extensive modifications before seeking official approval, those changes could not offset the negative impacts identified.

Outlook

Overall, the North Warwickshire Council rejects T&S Abattoir expansion story underlines the growing influence of animal welfare standards and community concerns on planning decisions. For the meat sector, it highlights the need to balance growth with sustainability and local engagement.

Original reporting by BBC News