Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Rebound, Slaughter Rates Remain Robust

AUSTRALIA – May 30, 2025 – Australia’s cattle and sheep markets experienced a notable rebound in the week ending May 30, with prices returning to early-month levels across all key indicators. Despite recent rainfall impacting some supply, national slaughter rates remained robust, particularly for cattle.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)’s latest weekly market wrap, the cattle market saw prices rise across the board. Yardings, the number of livestock presented at saleyards, decreased on the east coast due to rainfall, though Queensland maintained strong supply. A significant development was the Restocker Yearling Steer achieving a premium over other steer indicators, marking the largest gap between restockers and feeders since March.

The sheep market also displayed considerable strength, primarily driven by strong demand for heavy trade and export lambs. This demand pushed all sheep indicators upwards, with heavy lamb prices surpassing 1,000¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Multiple saleyards recorded high average prices for heavy lambs, and trade weights also saw increases, nearing previous record levels.

Despite the recent rainfall, national cattle slaughter figures remained high, reaching the highest throughput observed since December 2019. While sheep and lamb slaughter decreased slightly during the week, it continued to stay above year-to-date comparisons from the previous year, indicating sustained activity in the processing sector. The MLA report highlights a dynamic period for Australia’s livestock industry, balancing weather impacts with strong market demand.

Cranswick Launches Major Animal Welfare Review Following Abuse Allegations at Supplier Farm

HESSLE, UK – [May 28, 2025] – Cranswick, one of the UK’s largest pork and poultry producers, has announced a comprehensive, independent review of its animal welfare policies and livestock operations across the UK. The move comes in response to severe animal abuse allegations at Northmoor Farm in Lincolnshire, a pig farm that supplied the company.

The review was prompted by undercover footage released by the Animal Justice Project (AJP), which purportedly showed distressing scenes at the Lincolnshire farm. Allegations include the illegal killing of piglets under 10kg by blunt force trauma – a method commonly known as “piglet thumping,” which was outlawed in 2022 – alongside claims of pigs being beaten with metal bars and left to suffer in squalid conditions.

Following the public exposure of the footage, Cranswick swiftly suspended its arrangements with Northmoor Farm and confirmed it would not sell any pigs sourced from the facility. Major UK retailers, including Asda, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, and Tesco, also suspended Northmoor Farm as a supplier.

This significant welfare review comes as Cranswick reported robust financial results for the year ending March 29, 2025, with revenues climbing 6.8% to £2.72 billion and pre-tax profits increasing by 14.6% to £181.6 million. Despite the positive financial performance, the scandal underscores the ongoing scrutiny of animal welfare practices within the food production sector.

Original source: BBC News

Argentina Moves Closer to Beef Offal Export Deal with China

Argentina is poised to strike a significant new trade agreement with China, aimed at expanding exports of beef offal – a move that could help revitalise its pressured meat industry and reshape international supply dynamics.

According to reports, talks between Argentine and Chinese officials are in their final stages, with a Chinese delegation expected to visit Argentina on 8 June to complete technical assessments and finalise the agreement.

China Remains a Key Market – Despite a Dip

China remains Argentina’s largest export destination for beef, but recent data shows a notable slowdown. Exports to China accounted for 56.4% of total shipments in Q1 2025, down from 68% in 2024. Volume-wise, the drop is stark: 203,000 tonnes in early 2024 compared to just 137,000 tonnes for the same period in 2025.

This decline has been attributed to:

• Low prices offered by Chinese buyers in early 2025 due to high domestic stocks

• A stronger Argentine peso, making exports less competitive

• Ongoing logistical and economic pressures in Argentina’s beef sector

Opportunity in Offal

The proposed agreement focuses specifically on beef offal, a product category in high demand across Asia for its versatility and value. If secured, the deal would open a new channel for Argentine meat processors, many of whom are grappling with rising input costs and falling margins.

For China, it’s a strategic move to diversify agricultural imports amid ongoing trade tensions with the United States. In 2024, China imported a record 2.87 million metric tonnes of beef, and Argentina, Brazil, and Australia remain key players in that supply chain.

While the deal brings opportunity, Argentina’s meat industry continues to call for domestic support. Producers are lobbying for a reduction in export taxes and increased incentives to maintain global competitiveness, particularly for value-added products like offal.

Original source: Reuters

Meat and Poultry price inflation continues in May

The AIMS Fresh Meat and Poultry Monthly inflation report published today (Wednesday 28^th May) shows that across the 4 species covered; beef, lamb, pork and chicken, that overall prices have nudged ahead by 0.9% for the month 30^th April to 27^th May. This is against the BRC’s latest fresh food inflation figure of 1.8%.

“In the BRC food inflation figures published yesterday (Tuesday 27^th May) CEO Helen Dickinson noted that “red meat eaters may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive as wholesale beef prices increased”” said Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS.

“With two bank holidays during our reporting period coupled with prolonged periods of warm weather our analysis of beef steak and lean mince shows an average of +3.71% for the month whilst with the Easter beef roasting joint promotions now passed, these dropped back by 4p/kg (-0.27%)” Tony continued.

“However, whist BRC have noted fresh food inflation increasing to 2.4% year on year in May, the four species covered in AIMS’ report have risen collectively by 11.32% (+£1.54kg)”.

“Beef and Lamb have shown the biggest rises with increased demand from an ever-growing customer base both in the domestic and global markets, while pork and chicken have seen increased input costs from feed, energy, labour, insurance and the ongoing need to improve site biosecurity”, said Tony.

“I fully expect the upward year on year trend to continue especially as the impact of the changes to the minimum wage and national insurance really begin to kick in. That said, there are still some great value and versatile lines available such as pork fillet and mince and British chicken drumsticks and legs”.

Beef: Steaks Sizzle, Roasts Retreat

The early summer heat and double bank holidays drove a surge in BBQ favourites:

• Beef Fillet Steak rose by +4.92% month-on-month

• Lean Mince jumped +4.07%

• Meanwhile, Roasting Joints fell slightly (-0.27%) as Easter promotions faded

Year-on-Year Inflation: Up Over 11%

Looking at the bigger picture, AIMS reported a +11.32% increase year-on-year across the four key species – equivalent to +£1.54/kg. Beef and lamb led the charge, fuelled by growing domestic and export demand.

Pork and chicken also edged upward, driven by ongoing challenges:

• Rising feed, labour, energy, and insurance costs

• Continued investment in biosecurity measures

• Knock-on effects of minimum wage and National Insurance increases

Still Some Value to Be Found

Despite the inflation, there are still some strong value options in the market. AIMS highlights:

• Pork fillet and mince – versatile, lean, and cost-effective

• British chicken drumsticks and legs – offering quality and affordability

 

Support Urged for Last Remaining Small Abattoir in Sussex

Downland Traditional Meats Limited, based in Henfield, West Sussex, welcomed Andrew Griffith MP recently as the Arundel and South Downs representative visited the region’s last remaining small abattoir to discuss the growing challenges facing the sector.

Griffith met with owner Luke Smith – a farmer who manages 2,000 acres, 70 native breed cattle and 700 breeding ewes – to better understand what is needed to keep vital infrastructure like this alive in the UK’s food supply chain.

Following the recent closures of Tottingworth in East Sussex and Turners in Farnborough, Downland is now the sole small abattoir left operating in the South East. With farmers now travelling significantly further for slaughter and processing services, Downland has been forced to dramatically increase its throughput, putting further strain on already limited resources.

Mounting Operational Pressures

Running a small abattoir has become increasingly difficult, and Downland is no exception. Key challenges include:

• Rising veterinary and inspection costs, with steep increases in fees for official vets and meat hygiene inspectors

• Environmental compliance pressures, with changes to waste removal rules from the Environment Agency at the start of the year

• Lack of skilled labour, making staffing difficult and expensive

• Short-term lease, preventing access to finance or loans needed to upgrade ageing equipment

• Collapse of secondary by-product markets, such as hides and sheepskin, removing a valuable income stream

These headwinds are compounding financial strain at a time when demand for local, traceable, and sustainable meat is rising. Small abattoirs like Downland play a unique role in supporting native and rare breeds, many of which are not accepted by large-scale processors.

Call for Action

During the visit, Griffith expressed his concern for the future of the industry:

“I am grateful to Luke Smith for taking the time to show me around his Downland Traditional Meat facility. There is a real crisis here for local farmers trying to supply local, sustainable, British meat and are dependent on parts of the supply chain that aren’t making money and are not able to get the sort of investment that they need to stay up with modern standards.

The government must continue the Smaller Abattoir Fund, which was set up by the last government, and ensure it is fair and accessible.”

Original source: Sussex World

UK Food Inflation Hits Annual High as Beef Prices Surge

UK food inflation has reached its highest annual rate since May 2024, with rising costs for beef and fresh produce identified as key drivers, according to recent industry data. A prominent steakhouse chain co-founder has highlighted a significant increase in the price of beef, impacting the broader food sector.

Figures released by the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents major supermarkets and retailers, indicate that food prices climbed by 2.8% in the year to May. This marks the highest annual rate since May 2024, when food inflation stood at 3.2%.

Industry experts in agriculture point to a combination of strong consumer demand and constrained supply, partly attributed to a lack of government support for production, as primary factors behind the particular surge in beef prices.

Tomas Maunier, co-founder of the Brazilian-inspired steakhouse chain Fazenda, operating eight restaurants across the UK, described the current climate for the meat industry as “tough times.” He revealed that while his firm has absorbed the majority of increased operational costs, approximately 2% has been passed on to customers.

“Beef, specifically, has seen its cost rise by around 20% over the last 12 months, with a substantial portion of that increase occurring in the past six,” Mr. Maunier stated. He also noted that escalating production expenses and the increase in the national minimum wage are contributing to the overall cost burden, which ultimately affects consumers.

Nick Allen, Chief Executive of the British Meat Processors Association (BMPA), commented that intense competition among supermarkets had previously helped to suppress beef prices. He suggested it was inevitable that these rising farm-gate costs would eventually reach shoppers. “It’s no surprise. The farm price for beef has been consistently climbing to record levels,” Mr. Allen explained, cautioning that the industry faces a “real struggle” to meet demand. He further argued that government schemes have, in his view, prioritised environmental initiatives over direct production support.

Helen Dickinson, Chief Executive of the BRC, acknowledged that consumers of red meat “may have noticed their steak got a little more expensive” in recent times.

From the farming perspective, Jilly Greed, a fourth-generation arable farmer and suckler beef producer in Devon, underscored the fundamental economics at play. “It is entirely the maths – it’s about supply and demand,” she told the BBC. Ms. Greed elaborated that a “5% shortfall in cattle on the land,” coupled with a “1% increase in consumer demand,” has combined to drive the current price increases.

The ripple effect of these higher base product costs is impacting the entire supply chain. As Mr. Allen observed, “The base product is the highest it’s ever been, and sooner or later that has to filter through to the consumer.” The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), funded by farmers and growers, has also noted that UK cattle prices have been rising at “unprecedented levels” since early 2025. While some of this rise is being passed on to shoppers, AHDB’s latest beef market update indicates that not all of the increased cost is currently being transferred.

Original source: BBC News

UK Turkey Market Outlook 2025. A Steady Market with Changing Priorities

As we move through 2025, the UK turkey market remains a key area of interest for wholesalers, processors, and foodservice buyers. While overall demand remains stable, the way turkey is being sourced, sold, and served is evolving.

Whole birds are still in demand for the festive season, but year-round sales are increasingly driven by added-value cuts: turkey breasts, crowns, marinated portions, and convenience-ready formats. Retailers and caterers alike are adapting to changing consumer habits, particularly among younger demographics looking for quicker, easier meals without compromising on quality.

Production Pressures Continue

UK producers are feeling the squeeze from:

• Higher feed and energy costs

• Labour shortages

• Tight margins on rearing and processing

Avian flu remains a concern for flock management, and there’s growing caution around flock expansion. Many producers are focusing on efficiency and forward contracts to manage risk.

Imports Remain Vital – But Complex

The UK continues to import a significant volume of turkey products, particularly from the EU. Polish and German producers offer competitive prices, especially for cooked and processed meat used in food manufacturing and foodservice.

However, post-Brexit checks and currency volatility have added complexity to import schedules, encouraging some buyers to explore more UK-based supply options for stability and traceability.

Sustainability in Focus

Across retail, foodservice, and manufacturing, there’s a growing push toward:

• British sourcing

• Higher welfare standards

• Lower environmental impact

Organic and free-range turkey is seeing steady demand growth, particularly among premium buyers. That said, price sensitivity remains a key factor for most volume purchases.

As the hospitality sector continues its post-COVID rebound, turkey remains a carvery and Christmas menu staple. There’s strong interest in boneless joints, pre-sliced products, and ready-to-serve solutions that offer consistency and ease in high-volume kitchens.

Looking Ahead

The UK turkey sector in 2025 is best described as stable but watchful. Buyers can expect:

• Consistent demand in retail and foodservice

• Gradual growth in value-added and sustainable formats

• Ongoing price pressures and tighter supply planning

• Import reliance continuing, but under increased scrutiny

At Meatex, we’re actively sourcing a broad range of turkey products to meet the evolving needs of the trade – from festive whole birds to everyday processed cuts. Whether you’re looking to buy British or import at scale, our network can help you stay ahead of the curve.

📞 Get in touch with our team to discuss current availability and forward-order options.

South East’s Last Small Abattoirs Face Uncertain Future Amidst Rising Costs and Workforce Shortages

The owner of one of the South East’s few remaining small abattoirs has voiced significant apprehension regarding the long-term viability of the sector, citing increasing financial pressures and a challenging workforce landscape.

Luke Smith, who operates Down Land Traditional Meats in Henfield, West Sussex, has warned that without enhanced government financial assistance, his slaughterhouse faces an uphill battle for survival. Such a closure would have a direct impact on local farmers who supply independent butchers and farm shops rather than larger supermarket chains.

A key concern is the escalating cost of animal waste disposal, which has surged to an alarming £5,000 per week. Compounding this financial strain is an ageing workforce; Mr. Smith revealed the average age of a slaughterman is currently 63, with limited interest from younger generations in entering the profession.

“The abattoir itself is currently operating at a loss,” Mr. Smith explained, adding that his wholesale butchery operation is presently sustaining the wider business. “We are in urgent need of support and funding to continue.”

The challenging environment for small abattoirs is reflected in broader industry trends. The number of abattoirs across the UK has plummeted dramatically from approximately 2,500 in the 1970s to just 203 by 2023. Specifically, smaller facilities in England saw their numbers decline from 64 in 2019 to 49 by 2023, with five more closures reported in 2024 alone.

Local farmer Edward Perrett, from Ditchling, West Sussex, who relies on Down Land Traditional Meats for his farm shop’s supply, underscored the importance of nearby processing facilities. “Having a short journey to an abattoir is beneficial for animal welfare and helps manage costs,” Mr. Perrett stated, expressing concern that the abattoir’s closure would significantly complicate his operations.

The plight of small abattoirs has garnered political attention. Andrew Griffith, Conservative MP for Arundel and South Downs, voiced his backing for Mr. Smith, describing the issue as a “real crisis” in a “vital, sometimes neglected part of our food supply chain.” He suggested that while previous government grants were helpful, more substantial support and a reduction in bureaucratic hurdles are required.

Responding to the concerns, a spokesperson for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) affirmed the government’s commitment to the meat processing sector. They acknowledged the “vital contribution” of small abattoirs to maintaining a resilient food supply chain and their role in offering a competitive market route for producers of rare and native breeds. DEFRA highlighted an ongoing £5 billion investment in farming, touted as the largest ever budget for sustainable food production, alongside reforms aimed at boosting farmers’ profits and unlocking rural growth.

Original source: BBC News

Weekly Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets: Supply Shifts Impact Prices

The latest Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) weekly market wrap reveals a dynamic period for Australian cattle and sheep, with reduced supply notably influencing prices across various indicators. The week ending May 16, 2025, saw significant movements in yardings, prices, and slaughter rates.

Cattle Market Highlights: The cattle market experienced an uplift across all indicators, primarily driven by sustained buyer demand against a backdrop of reduced supply. National yardings eased considerably by 25,000 head, settling at 55,000 head for the week—nearly a 50% reduction from two weeks prior. While most states saw reductions, Tasmania was an exception.

Cow prices observed a lift this week, with the indicator price increasing by 12¢ to 256¢/kg liveweight (lwt), despite a monthly reduction. Victoria led the cow market, averaging 263¢/kg lwt. Demand for steers remained robust, with heavy steers climbing 19¢ to 314¢/kg lwt, feeders gaining 11¢ to 378¢/kg lwt, and restockers up 14¢ to 391¢/kg lwt.

Sheep Market Highlights: The lamb market bounced back, fuelled by strong demand and reduced supply. National lamb yardings eased 13% to 191,000 head after three weeks of high offerings, while sheep yardings decreased 9% to 105,000 head, with all states showing combined reductions.

Export lambs were in high demand, propelling the National Heavy Lamb Indicator up 44¢ from the previous week to 902¢/kg carcase weight (cwt), with some reaching the 1,000¢ mark. New South Wales largely drove this national price. Trade lambs also saw an increase of 37¢ to 876¢/kg cwt. Mutton prices continued their fluctuating trend, rising 7¢ to 570¢/kg cwt, primarily due to processor demand.

Slaughter Figures (Week ending May 16, 2025): National cattle slaughter increased by 6% to 152,396 head, marking the largest weekly throughput since December 2019, reflecting strong supply and increased processor demand in a favourable global market.

National lamb slaughter eased by 3% to 506,598 head, though remaining above 500,000 for a third consecutive week. Mutton slaughter notably lifted by 11% to 198,854 head, as a surge in mutton supply reached processors.

Note: Flooding in the Upper Hunter and Mid North Coast regions impacted cattle and sheep supply through saleyards during this period.

Original source: MLA 

Weekly Market Wrap: Cattle Prices Soften, Lamb Falls Below Five-Year Average as Supplies Increase

GB Prime Cattle Prices See Second Consecutive Decline; Lamb Continues Downward Trend

Wednesday, May 21, 2025 – The latest figures for the week ending May 17 show a continued softening in GB prime cattle prices, while lamb prices have notably dipped below their five-year average for the first time this year. Increased slaughter numbers across both sectors are a key factor in these market shifts.

Cattle Market Highlights:

• Prime Cattle: The GB all-prime average deadweight price for prime cattle dropped by 10p/kg week-on-week, settling at 687p/kg. This marks the second consecutive week of decline. All prime categories experienced a fall, with steers down 10p/kg, heifers 9p/kg lower, and young bulls seeing a steeper reduction of nearly 14p/kg. Despite these recent falls, prices remain at historically high levels, with the all-prime average still over £2/kg higher than this time last year.
• Slaughter Numbers Up: Estimated prime cattle slaughter surged significantly in the week ending May 17, reaching 37,400 head. This represents the highest weekly kill of the year to date and is 10% higher than the same week in 2024, as supply catches up after the recent bank holiday.
• Cow Prices Stable: The GB overall deadweight cow price remained flat on the week at 541p/kg. Estimated cow slaughter increased to 8,000 head. Year-to-date, cow slaughter is 5% below the same period last year, a tightness in supply that has contributed to the recent strength in cow prices, influenced by strong dairy production and a long-term contraction in the suckler breeding herd.

Sheep Market Highlights:

• Lamb Prices Decline: The GB deadweight old season lamb (OSL) price continued its downward trajectory, falling by 9p/kg from the previous week to 665p/kg. This is the first instance in 2025 that the lamb price has dropped below the five-year average for this week, though it remains significantly below year-ago levels.
• Strong Supplies: Estimated lamb kill figures remained robust, totaling 214,300 head in the latest week. While only a slight week-on-week increase, this is 14% higher than the same week last year, bringing the year-to-date total almost 6% higher than the corresponding period in 2024.
• Trade Data: Q1 2025 trade data (January-March) shows a 1% year-on-year increase in exports of fresh and frozen sheep meat, reaching 20,700 tonnes. This indicates sustained demand from continental Europe, the primary market. Price indicators at France’s Rungis market have remained relatively steady. Simultaneously, sheep meat imports have risen by 5% year-on-year for Q1, largely driven by increased volumes from Australia and New Zealand, alongside smaller increases from suppliers like Ireland and Iceland.

Original Source: AHDB