Asda Faces Farmer Backlash Over Uruguayan Beef Imports

UK – May 31, 2025 – Supermarket giant Asda is facing significant criticism from British farmers following its decision to stock beef imported from Uruguay under the “Grass and Grill” brand, which is owned by Hilton Foods, as reported by Farmers Weekly.

The move has drawn outrage from figures within the UK agricultural community, who view it as a betrayal of their interests. Stuart Roberts, a prominent Hertfordshire farmer, lambasted Asda’s decision, calling it a “glaring hypocrisy” and “misleading” to consumers. He highlighted that the supermarket’s actions contradict its stated emphasis on sustainability and support for British farmers.

In response to the growing backlash, Asda issued a statement clarifying its position. The retailer asserted that its fresh beef range continues to be sourced exclusively from the UK and Ireland. It emphasized that all products are clearly labelled with their country of origin, enabling consumers to make informed choices. Asda also stated that the Uruguayan steaks represent a temporary offering from a branded partner.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has weighed in on the debate, underscoring the critical need for clearer and more robust food labelling regulations. Meanwhile, the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers suggested that Asda’s decision reflects its strategy to maintain competitive pricing in a fiercely contested retail environment. The controversy underscores the ongoing tensions within the food supply chain regarding sourcing, pricing, and support for domestic producers.

China Imposes Nationwide Ban on Brazilian Poultry Over Avian Influenza, Reuters Reports

BEIJING – May 30, 2025 – China has issued a comprehensive ban on all imports of poultry and related products from Brazil, citing an avian influenza outbreak, according to Reuters. This broad prohibition comes two weeks after Beijing initially suspended import applications from individual Brazilian poultry farms.

The General Administration of Customs of China, in a notice dated May 29, declared that all direct and indirect Brazilian poultry imports are now prohibited. Any such products brought or mailed into the country will be returned or destroyed. Furthermore, all animal and plant waste from incoming ships originating from Brazil must undergo treatment under customs supervision and cannot be discarded without explicit authorisation.

The drastic measure follows Brazil’s confirmation on May 16 of a bird flu outbreak on a commercial poultry farm located in Montenegro, in its southernmost state of Rio Grande do Sul. This single confirmed outbreak triggered a wave of international trade bans against the world’s largest poultry exporter and China’s primary chicken meat supplier.

Despite requests from the Brazilian government to limit any embargo to poultry products solely from the affected city, China’s announcement indicates it has opted for a nationwide ban. While China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates are key destinations for Brazilian chicken exports, the latter three countries have only imposed statewide bans. The European Union and South Korea have also enacted bans on Brazilian chicken.

Brazil’s poultry industry is a global powerhouse, having exported approximately $10 billion worth of chicken meat in 2024, accounting for roughly 35% of the global trade. This nationwide ban from China, a crucial market, is expected to inflict significant economic pain not only on Brazilian farmers but also on major importers.

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.

Adam Couch, Cranswick’s Chief Executive, addressed the situation, stating, “We take seriously any instance, anywhere in our supply chain, where behaviour fails to meet those standards.” He confirmed the company is initiating “a new, fully independent, expert veterinarian review of all our existing animal welfare policies, together with a comprehensive review of our livestock operations across the UK.” Cranswick has pledged to provide further updates on this work.

The incident has reignited calls from animal welfare organisations for systemic changes within the industry. Claire Palmer, founder of AJP, urged for “immediate enforcement of the ban on blunt force trauma and the prosecution of Cranswick,” in addition to an “independent public inquiry into pig farming practices and regulatory failures.” World Animal Protection UK also weighed in, advocating for a broader shift away from factory farming towards more humane, outdoor-based practices.

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.

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

Integrated Beef Schemes: A Guide to What’s Available and How They Benefit UK Farmers

UK – [May 27, 2025] – As dairy beef continues to grow its share of prime cattle slaughter in Great Britain, integrated beef schemes are becoming an increasingly vital component of the supply chain. These programmes link dairy farmers, beef producers, retailers, and processors, offering significant benefits such as guaranteed minimum prices, financial security, and streamlined operations.

Integrated beef schemes are designed to provide a reliable home for dairy-bred calves, ensuring a consistent supply for the beef market while offering farmers the stability of forward contracts and more accurate budgeting. Some even extend to integrated lending and fixed forward prices to assist with cash flow.

Here’s a look at some of the prominent integrated beef schemes operating across Britain:

• Elite Beef Scheme (Woodhead Bros, Myton Food Group): Relaunched in 2022, this scheme, in partnership with Buitelaar Group, involves 140 grower/finisher farms. Woodhead Bros retains ownership on growing farms, while grower-finisher cattle can be farmer-owned with company financing. Payments are linked to the UK weekly standard base price, with a guaranteed minimum price, and bonuses are based on the standard EUROP grid.
• Koyu Wagyu: A newer scheme aiming for “premium prices for premium beef,” Koyu Wagyu seeks dairy farms to supply calves, as well as rearers, growers, and finishers. Dairy farmers receive a fixed price per calf. Funding is offered via Oxbury, with farmers guaranteed a premium above the base price, plus an additional bonus for marbling.
• Warrendale Wagyu: Now in its eighth year, Warrendale Wagyu works with 1,000 UK farmers. Dairy farmers use Wagyu sires supplied by Genus and receive a payment per calf plus a premium at slaughter. Farmers own the animals, with finance options available, and prices are reviewed every six months based on a cost-of-production model, including a base price for finishers that increases with marbling scores.
• Meadow Quality Beef Scheme: Launched by the farmer-owned co-operative Meadow Quality (MQ), this scheme offers flexibility, allowing farmers to choose when to sell animals back through MQ (e.g., as forward stores or at finishing). While farmers purchase animals, MQ has partnered with Oxbury for finance options. The scheme primarily uses British Blue and Aberdeen-Angus sired dairy crosses.
• ABP Gamechanger: In its seventh year, this exclusive partnership between processor ABP and Sainsbury’s focuses solely on Aberdeen Angus beef. Calf prices are reviewed monthly, with dairy farmers receiving a fixed forward price. ABP owns calves at the rearing farm, paying rearers a management fee, while finishers purchase weaned calves with finance options. Cattle must be fed predominately grass or forage-based diets.

These schemes collectively highlight the evolving landscape of beef production, offering structured pathways designed to improve efficiency, traceability, and financial predictability across the supply chain, from calf to consumer.

Original source: Farmers Weekly 

Red Dragon Porc: Welsh Pig Farmers Unite to Boost Local Pork Value

A new co-operative, Red Dragon Porc Cyf, has been established by eight pig farmers from Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire in partnership with Fishguard-based butcher and meat processor Martyn Lloyd. This initiative aims to enhance the value of locally produced pork by reducing food miles, improving animal welfare, and increasing producer margins.

The collaboration was facilitated by Farming Connect’s Agrisgôp programme, which brings together farmers to develop business ideas and build confidence through action learning. The co-operative allows pork from herds born and reared within the region to be processed at a new low-throughput abattoir on the Lloyds’ farm at Cilshafe, significantly reducing transportation distances and stress on the animals.

Martyn Lloyd, who had struggled to source low food miles pork for his customers, saw the development of the abattoir as a solution. “We could get beef and lamb and we have our own poultry, but what we were missing was pork. We did our best to find Welsh pork for customers, but that pork came with a lot of food miles, and that doesn’t fit with our business ethos,” he explained.

The co-operative has already seen success, marketing £43,000 worth of pork by the end of 2024, including award-winning sausages at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair. The new abattoir has created four full-time jobs, with potential for more as sales grow.

Will Kerr, one of the co-operative members, noted the benefits of the collaboration. “As a group, we are more powerful. It gives us many advantages, and we are already getting a better price for our pigs,” he said. Kerr, who runs six Welsh pig breeding sows alongside beef and sheep enterprises, had previously faced challenges in marketing his pork individually.

Another member, Ed Walker, who produces around 600 pigs a year on an outdoor system at his 46-acre Model Farm near Tenby, highlighted the value of collective marketing. “As eight producers, we are on a par with commercial farmers as we can offer consistency of supply, but we are still individual small producers too,” he said.

Red Dragon Porc Cyf is now accepting new members and plans to expand to other areas over the next few years. The co-operative meets regularly, fostering collaboration and shared values among its members.

Original source: Wales247

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