UK Meat Slaughter Figures Slide; August 2025 Sees Drop in Beef, Pig & Lamb Output

UK slaughter numbers across cattle, sheep and pigs dropped in August 2025 compared to the same month a year earlier, pulling down production of beef, pork and lamb.

These reductions matter for wholesalers, processors and exporters because they indicate tightening supplies, potential price pressures and shifts in trade flows. Lower output can raise costs, affect contract fulfilments, and force adjustments in import dependencies.

Market / Context

• In August 2025, prime cattle (steers, heifers, young bulls) in the UK saw slaughterings fall by about 7.3% year-on-year (153,000 head). Beef and veal output fell by 6.5% to roughly 68,000 tonnes.

• Clean sheep slaughterings also dropped 7.3%, at about 868,000 head, resulting in a 6.6% year-on-year decline in lamb and mutton production (~20,000 tonnes).

• Pig slaughter numbers were down as well, by 5.4%, with pigmeat production decreasing by 5.6%, to near 76,000 tonnes.

• For several livestock classes, average dressed carcase weights have stayed steady or shown minor variation, but declines in slaughter volume are the main driver of reduced meat production.

These trends come amid broader pressures: rising input costs, labour shortages, and supply chain constraints. Exporters may face tighter margins while domestic wholesalers might see reduced availability of certain cuts, especially beef and pigmeat.

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What to Watch

• Import vs export balance: As domestic production falls, dependence on imports may rise. Monitoring trade data will be key.

• Price movements: Reduced supply often leads to upward pressure on wholesale and retail prices—beef especially might see steeper increases.

• Feed, fuel, labour cost trends: Any escalation will further squeeze margins.

• Seasonal demand: The period ahead (autumn through winter) typically sees increased demand for lamb and beef. If supply remains tight, gaps could widen.

• Policy & regulation shifts: Support or subsidy changes (e.g. for livestock farming) could play a role in stabilising supply or offsetting cost pressures.

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Source: UK Government (Defra)

AIMS urges urgent talks with new ministers following Defra report on illegal meat imports

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has urged early talks with ministers after a new Defra report on Britain’s biosecurity.

Defra has released Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis. The report warns of rising risks from illegal meat imports. It highlights the danger of animal disease outbreaks and the knock-on effect for food security and trade.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, called for swift action:

“AIMS looks forward to working with both the new Secretary of State at Defra, Emma Reynolds, and at the Department for Business & Trade, Peter Kyle. With today’s publication from Defra Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis it is essential that both meet with us at the earliest opportunity. They must prioritise animal disease and the impact on domestic production and overseas trade within their new roles.”

Why it matters:
Industry groups have long raised concerns over illegal meat entering the UK through ports and airports. Enforcement remains patchy. Without stronger checks, the risk of outbreaks such as African swine fever or foot-and-mouth disease grows. This could cost billions and damage export markets.

What to watch:

• Whether Defra and the Department for Business & Trade agree to meet AIMS and other trade groups.

• How ministers respond to calls for tighter border controls.

• If tougher penalties and better surveillance on illegal food shipments are introduced.

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📌 Source: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), “Biosecurity at the border: Britain’s illegal meat crisis,” 2025. Industry response from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS).

Irish prime cattle prices are now outpacing GB, signalling a significant shift in the UK–Irish beef pricing landscape.

Price Trends & Timeline

After narrowing steadily through summer, Irish prime cattle prices have held above UK equivalents for four consecutive weeks. Earlier this year, in February, the disparity between the two markets reached its widest point, with GB prices significantly higher. A similar crossover last occurred in 2022 — but only briefly for about five weeks.

Supply Shortfalls & Demand Drivers

The main driver behind this price shift is a 19% year-on-year decline in prime cattle slaughter in Ireland over the four weeks ending 25 August, firmly tightening supply. Concurrently, demand has remained robust, both at home and through exports to key markets such as the UK, France, the Netherlands, and other EU countries.

Market Implications & Outlook

Stronger Irish prices may be offering support to GB market stability, helping offset demand softness due to inflationary pressures. Looking ahead, ongoing herd contractions and export demand are likely to maintain upward price momentum.

As the autumn season progresses, pricing will also reflect seasonal demand from retail and festive markets. How this trend evolves will hinge on supply dynamics and consumer purchasing power heading into year-end.

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Source: Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), “Irish beef prices above GB for the first time in three years: Beef market update”, published 5 September 2025. ahdb.org.uk

Senedd Inquiry Demands Overhaul of Hybu Cig Cymru Governance

A Senedd inquiry has urged urgent reforms at Hybu Cig Cymru (HCC), the Welsh red meat levy board, after years of internal turmoil and leadership challenges.

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Why it matters

HCC is central to developing and promoting Welsh red meat, funded by a levy on slaughtered or exported livestock.
Wholesalers, processors, and farmers depend on the body to safeguard market visibility, drive exports, and represent their interests.
Without reform, industry trust in HCC risks further erosion, weakening the sector’s competitiveness.

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Market / Context

The report from the Senedd’s economy, trade and rural affairs committee highlighted serious issues at HCC, including bullying allegations, the chief executive’s departure under a cloud, and a subsequent staff exodus.
Committee chair Andrew RT Davies MS called this a “pivotal moment to rebuild trust, strengthen governance, and ensure accountability to levy payers.”

Key recommendations include:

• A full review of HCC’s governance and Welsh government ownership.

• Consideration of returning ownership to levy payers.

• More industry representation on the board.

• Clear, measurable performance and accountability targets.

• Stronger communication with farmers and processors.

Concerns were also raised over HCC’s financial sustainability, as falling livestock numbers shrink levy income. Farmers’ Union of Wales President Ian Rickman said the findings reflected long-standing calls for transparency and deeper engagement with levy payers.

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What to watch

• Government response: Welsh ministers have promised to review the committee’s report before issuing a formal reply.

• Future funding: HCC’s new chief executive, José Peralta, is pressing for increased resources to deliver its remit.

• Industry confidence: Rebuilding trust will be critical for ensuring levy payers see value for money and for securing the future of the Welsh red meat sector.

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Attribution

Source: BBC News, 3 September 2025 (BBC link)

Chicken Price Surge Drives Meat Inflation as Summer Heat and Holidays Boost Demand

UK meat and poultry prices edged up slightly in August, but chicken emerged as the main driver of inflation as hot weather and holiday barbecues fueled demand.

According to the AIMS Meat and Poultry Inflation Tracker, overall prices across the category rose just 0.25%, yet chicken jumped by 2.24%—the steepest increase among proteins.

“Looking at the chicken category as a whole, it appears that consumers have moved to convenience this month,” said Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS. “Diced breast was up 4.8%, no doubt BBQ demand driving this, while thigh fillets (+2.26%) and drumsticks (+2.67%) are also popular for barbecues and picnics.”

Rising feed, staffing, energy, and even security costs are further straining poultry production, adding to price pressures along the supply chain.

Red Meat Trends Diverge

Beef prices saw a modest 0.4% rise in August. However, roasting joints fell by 4.5%, likely due to supermarkets cutting prices as consumers shifted toward lighter meals in warmer weather. Lamb leg prices also dropped by 2.14%, while pork leg went against the trend, rising 4%.

“With beef and lamb roasting joints both costing in excess of £15 per kilo, pork leg’s value for money at under £6.50 per kilo could have encouraged switching for the weekend roast,” Goodger explained.

Inflation Still High Over the Year

Despite August’s relatively modest month-on-month movement, the annual picture remains stark. Over the past 12 months, meat and poultry prices have surged 15.6%, led by beef.

Beef now averages almost £20 per kilo across key cuts, with mince showing the sharpest increases; lean mince up 48.4% and standard mince up 37%. Beef steaks are also up 27% year-on-year.

Pork and chicken are increasingly seen as alternatives. Chicken has risen by 12.05% over the past year but remains attractive to households under cost-of-living pressures due to its versatility, quicker cooking time, and lower energy use.

Call for Government Action

Goodger warned that the drivers of inflation are numerous and complex.
“There are so many factors driving year-on-year meat and poultry inflation that the government must consider before the October budget if they wish to get overall food inflation under control,” he said.

Marfrig Cancels Sale of Uruguay Plants to Minerva

Marfrig cancels Uruguay plant sale to Minerva after months of negotiations. The move ends a proposed deal that would have transferred several of Marfrig’s beef processing facilities in Uruguay to rival Minerva Foods. This sudden decision reshapes expectations for South American beef exports and adds fresh uncertainty to regional capacity.

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Why it matters

The fact that Marfrig cancels Uruguay plant sale has direct implications for global beef trade. Uruguay is a premium supplier to Europe, China, and the Middle East. A change of ownership could have altered pricing structures, supply chains, and long-term contracts. By pulling out, Marfrig has maintained the status quo for now, which may bring short-term stability for EU and UK importers but raises longer-term questions.

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Market/Context

The Uruguay beef sector is highly competitive, with Minerva already one of the largest exporters in South America. If the sale had gone ahead, Minerva would have further expanded its slaughtering and processing capacity. Marfrig has said it ended the talks for “strategic reasons,” without disclosing detailed financial terms.

This development comes as global beef demand faces volatility. Chinese buyers are still cautious, while high feed costs and exchange rate pressures weigh on South American producers. Uruguay remains attractive thanks to its traceability standards and pasture-based systems, but any shift in plant ownership can quickly affect export volumes.

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What to watch

• Whether Marfrig seeks alternative buyers for its Uruguay assets.

• If Minerva pursues other acquisitions to expand its footprint.

• Potential political and regulatory scrutiny around large-scale ownership consolidation.

• The effect on EU and UK beef buyers heading into the seasonal Q4 demand peak.

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Attribution

Source: Reuters

See also: Minerva Foods Completes Acquisition of Marfrig Assets

US Tariffs on Brazil to Reshape Global Beef Trade – August 2025

The US tariffs on Brazil beef trade are set to reshape global flows. This decision creates both risks and opportunities for exporters in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

Why It Matters

Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter. It has long supplied the United States, which remains the biggest global consumer of beef. However, the new 50% US import tariffs on Brazilian beef could make these products less competitive. As a result, rival suppliers such as Australia, Argentina, and the European Union may gain fresh opportunities in the American market.

For UK traders and processors, the move is significant. Shifts in global supply could affect wholesale beef prices and influence import demand in the months ahead.

Market Context

Brazil’s dominance in global beef exports comes from scale and competitive pricing. Yet higher duties may push its shipments away from the US. Instead, more Brazilian beef could flow into China, the Middle East, and North Africa. These regions are already facing inflationary pressure on food imports, which could intensify as extra supply enters their markets.

Meanwhile, Europe might benefit. If Brazilian volumes reduce in the US, exporters in the UK and EU could find stronger demand for high-value beef cuts. Furthermore, Australia’s competitive position may improve, allowing it to capture more of the US trade share.

What to Watch

Going forward, traders should monitor three key points:

• Whether China absorbs the Brazilian beef redirected from the US.

• If American importers increase orders from Australia or South American rivals.

• How these shifts affect UK and EU beef trade competitiveness.

In conclusion, the US tariffs on Brazil beef trade are likely to cause significant changes. Global beef exporters must adapt quickly to remain competitive in 2025.

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Source: Reuters, 27 August 2025, link

11 August 2025 — UK | The UK should lead real food safety reform, says Dr Jason Aldiss BEM, Executive Director of AIMS.

He argues the country still relies on checks designed for the 19th century, while today’s risks are microbial and often invisible.

“Traditional post-mortem inspection is scientifically obsolete,” said Aldiss. “We’re fighting Salmonella, E. coli and Campylobacter. You can’t see them. A poke-and-sniff check won’t find them.”

Why old checks fall short

These methods were built for diseases such as TB and trichinella. International bodies now back risk-based systems instead.
“Codex calls for outcome-focused controls,” Aldiss noted. “WOAH says old inspection does not address modern hazards. EFSA warns it can even spread contamination.”

Aldiss pointed to tools already in use overseas. In New Zealand, plants use Veritide’s fluorescence scanners to spot visible and invisible faecal contamination in real time.
“Machines don’t tire, don’t take breaks, and give data you can act on. In like-for-like trials, they beat human inspectors,” he said.

He also backed proven decontamination steps: hot-water washes, organic-acid rinses and steam-vacuuming. “These interventions can cut microbe levels by up to 99%. They should be standard, not optional.”

Five changes for UK regulators

Aldiss urged swift action:

• Rewrite rules: replace visual-only checks with risk-based, outcome-led standards.

• Invest: fund validation and rollout.

• Mandate proven interventions where needed.

• Retrain inspectors as tech-led auditors, not lesion hunters.

• Lead at Codex and WOAH to push global reform.

“This isn’t deregulation,” he said. “It’s smart regulation. Protect consumers with science, not ceremony. The world is watching. The UK can set the pace or stay stuck in the past.”

See also: AIMS Urges Government to Embrace AI in Meat Inspection