Australian Cattle Throughput Hits Highest Weekly Level Since 2019

Latest updates show that Australia cattle slaughter rates have reached their highest weekly total since 2019. This signals sustained processing activity despite recent weather disruptions.

According to reporting from Meat & Livestock Australia, national cattle throughput climbed to a multi-year high. Processors maintained strong operating levels during this period.

The elevated kill reflects ongoing herd liquidation and firm processor demand, particularly across eastern states. Additionally, analysts note that despite flooding and heat events in some regions, processing capacity remains robust. Cattle availability has supported higher weekly volumes.

Year-on-year comparisons indicate slaughter levels remain above recent averages, underscoring the scale of herd adjustment underway in parts of Australia. Industry observers suggest throughput levels will be closely monitored in the coming months as seasonal conditions influence supply flows.

The record weekly processing total highlights the resilience of Australia’s export-focused beef sector. This is evident even amid fluctuating climatic conditions and shifting global demand patterns.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia

Food Industry Pushes Back on EU Sausage Labelling Proposal

Major food companies and trade groups are urging European policymakers not to prohibit plant-based products from using traditional meat terms such as “sausage”. This issue is central to the current EU sausage labelling debate.

According to reporting by The Guardian, industry bodies argue that banning the use of familiar descriptors for non-meat products would create confusion rather than clarity for consumers. The debate centres on whether plant-based alternatives should be prevented from using terms historically associated with meat products.

Supporters of restrictions claim such terminology risks misleading shoppers and undermining traditional producers. Opponents counter that consumers already understand distinctions between meat and plant-based products and rely on common names to identify format and usage.

The discussion forms part of wider EU policy debates around food labelling, market transparency and competition between conventional livestock sectors and alternative protein producers.

The outcome could have implications for branding, marketing strategies and product positioning across both meat and plant-based categories within the European market.

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Source: The Guardian | 13 February 2026

South African Farmers Face Escalating Losses as FMD Spreads

South African livestock farmers are reporting mounting financial losses as outbreaks of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) continue to disrupt production and trade.

According to reporting by Reuters, the spread of FMD has led to movement restrictions, export interruptions and rising costs for affected producers. Industry groups warn that prolonged disruption could weaken herd values and further strain rural economies.

FMD poses no risk to human health but can have severe economic consequences for cattle producers and meat exporters. Trade limitations linked to disease status often result in immediate market closures and price pressure.

Authorities are working to contain the outbreak, but producers have indicated that ongoing uncertainty is affecting investment decisions and supply chains. The situation underscores the critical role of biosecurity and disease management in safeguarding international market access.

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Source: Reuters | 12 February 2026

ABP Opens Redundancy Talks with 230 Staff at Waterford Site

ABP has begun a formal redundancy consultation with around 230 employees at its cutting and deboning facility in Waterford, citing tightening livestock supplies and rising operational costs.

According to reporting by Agriland, the consultation relates to the company’s beef processing operations, where reduced cattle throughput is placing sustained pressure on margins.

The move follows a broader pattern of restructuring across parts of the Irish processing sector, as cattle numbers remain subdued and competition for finished stock intensifies. Lower availability of livestock has forced some processors to reassess plant capacity and operational efficiency.

ABP stated that the consultation process is ongoing and that it will engage with employee representatives as part of the review. The development highlights continued volatility within the Irish beef processing landscape as supply constraints reshape factory operations.

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Source: Agriland | 12 February 2026

Producers Given Confidence Boost on Lamb Prices

The UK sheep sector has been given cautious encouragement for 2026. Industry leaders suggest there is reason for confidence in market performance.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker believes supply fundamentals and consumer demand trends could underpin stronger prices this year.

While recent weeks have seen volatility in lamb markets, tightening domestic supply and ongoing global demand for sheep meat are expected to provide support.

Industry observers note that currency movements and export market access will remain key variables shaping price direction throughout 2026.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 12 February 2026

Mutton Market Firms Ahead of Ramadan

Cull ewe prices have strengthened in recent weeks as demand builds ahead of Ramadan, providing timely support to the UK sheep sector.

According to reporting by Farmers Weekly, processors and exporters are actively sourcing ewes in preparation for increased consumption during the Islamic holy month, when lamb and mutton feature prominently in many markets.

Trade sources indicate that export demand, particularly for mutton, has underpinned the uplift. Ramadan often drives stronger buying interest from key Middle Eastern and North African destinations, tightening supply in domestic markets and supporting farmgate returns.

While new-season lamb supply remains a focal point for many buyers, the renewed interest in cull ewes has helped rebalance values across categories. Market participants note that seasonal religious demand can have a pronounced impact on short-term pricing trends, particularly where UK product competes in export channels.

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Source: Farmers Weekly | 10 February 2026

Red Meat Retail Sales Show Mixed Start to 2026

Red meat retail performance in Great Britain delivered a mixed picture in the latest reporting period, with value growth supported by pricing, while volumes remained under pressure.

According to new consumer insight from AHDB, total red meat retail sales for the period ending 25 January 2026 reflected ongoing shifts in shopper behaviour following the Christmas trading window.

Beef and lamb categories experienced fluctuating volumes, influenced by post-holiday demand adjustments and price sensitivity among consumers. Promotional activity and cut selection continue to shape purchasing decisions, with shoppers increasingly balancing value considerations against quality and provenance.

Pig meat performance also reflected cautious consumer spending, as households manage budgets amid wider cost-of-living pressures. Despite softer volumes in some categories, overall value sales remain resilient due to sustained average price levels.

AHDB noted that changing consumer habits, including a continued focus on convenience and meal planning, are influencing category dynamics. Retailers and suppliers are expected to monitor promotional strategies closely as the market transitions into the spring trading period.

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Source: AHDB | Consumer Insight – 25 January 2026

GB Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Market Faces Pressure

Prime cattle prices in Great Britain edged lower in the latest reporting week, while lamb values also came under pressure amid softer demand.

According to the latest market wrap from AHDB, greater numbers of finished cattle coming forward weighed on deadweight prices. The overall GB steer price fell week-on-week, with heifers and young bulls also recording declines as supply outpaced demand.

Estimated prime cattle slaughter rose slightly compared with the previous week, and year-to-date throughput remains marginally ahead of the same period in 2025. Domestic retail and foodservice demand has reportedly softened post-Christmas, contributing to price adjustments.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, supported by seasonal demand for manufacturing beef. The price gap between prime cattle and cows narrowed further in the latest data.

In the sheep sector, the deadweight old season lamb price declined week-on-week and remains below year-ago levels. Industry reports indicate weaker domestic and export demand, with French market prices also trending lower. Clean sheep slaughter is running ahead of last year’s historically low levels.

Market participants will continue to monitor supply flows and consumer demand as the spring marketing period approaches.

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Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Global Demand Lifts NZ Red Meat to Historic High

New Zealand’s red meat and co-products exports reached a record NZ$11.7 billion in 2025. This marked a 19% increase on the previous year.

According to reporting by NZ Herald, the growth was driven by strong global demand and constrained international supply. These factors supported elevated export prices throughout the year.

The Meat Industry Association (MIA) said the United States and China remained New Zealand’s two largest markets. These markets are underpinning overall export performance. Tight global cattle and sheep supplies also played a role. Combined with resilient consumer demand in premium markets, these conditions helped lift both volumes and average returns.

The record result highlights the continued strength of New Zealand’s export-focused red meat sector. This sector remains heavily reliant on overseas markets for revenue generation. Industry analysts expect global supply dynamics and currency movements to play a key role in shaping performance in 2026.

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Source: NZ Herald | 12 February 2026

Brazil’s Cattle Slaughter Hits Record as China Drives Demand

Brazil’s cattle processing volumes are reaching record levels, supported by sustained import demand from China, according to industry data.

Reporting by Reuters indicates that Brazilian slaughter rates have climbed sharply as exporters respond to firm Chinese buying interest. China remains Brazil’s largest beef customer and continues to absorb significant volumes despite broader global market volatility.

The increase in throughput reflects both strong export pull and favourable domestic production conditions. Analysts note that competitive pricing and currency dynamics have helped Brazil consolidate its position in Asian markets.

While other exporting nations face herd contraction or trade disruptions, Brazil’s scale and export orientation are enabling it to expand market share. Industry observers suggest that sustained Chinese demand will remain a decisive factor shaping global beef flows throughout 2026.

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Source: Reuters | 12 February 2026