Over 300 Jobs at Risk as ABP Ends Retail Packing at Dungannon Site

More than 300 jobs are at risk after ABP Food Group confirmed plans to end retail packing operations at its Linden Foods facility in Dungannon, County Tyrone.

ABP has entered a formal consultation process with 338 employees, citing a challenging and changing UK and global marketplace for beef and lamb as the driver behind the decision.

The move reflects wider pressures across the red meat processing sector, including tight livestock supply, rising operating costs and intense retail competition, which are pushing processors to rationalise capacity and focus on core activities.

ABP said it remains committed to its broader operations in Northern Ireland, but acknowledged that consolidation is necessary to remain competitive in current market conditions. The consultation process is ongoing, with unions and local representatives seeking clarity on redeployment and support options for affected workers.

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Source: BBC News | 20 January 2026

Irish Factory Beef Prices Hold Firm This Week

Irish factory beef prices have held steady this week, with most processors maintaining quotes at similar levels to the previous week despite ongoing concerns around cattle availability.

According to reporting by Agriland.ie, steer prices are generally quoted at €7.00–€7.05/kg, while heifer prices are holding at €7.10–€7.15/kg. Flat prices and in-spec bonuses remain broadly unchanged.

Processors are reported to be confident in demand, particularly for retail and export markets, but continue to flag tight supplies as a limiting factor. The stability follows a period of strong year-on-year price growth across the Irish beef sector, underpinned by lower kill numbers and high farmgate values.

Market participants suggest that while factories are keen to avoid further price escalation in the short term, limited cattle availability is likely to keep prices well supported into the coming weeks.

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Source: Agriland.ie | 19 January 2026

QMS Targets Swedish Foodservice With Scotch Beef

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is expanding its Scotch Beef Club into Sweden, targeting growth in the international foodservice sector and strengthening export demand for premium Scottish beef.

According to reporting by FarmingUK, the launch event will take place on 27 January in Stockholm, bringing together more than 100 Swedish foodservice professionals, including chefs, buyers and menu developers. The initiative is designed to showcase the quality, provenance and consistency of Scotch Beef in a high-value dining market.

Sweden has been identified as a strategic market due to strong consumer interest in sustainability, traceability and premium meat, aligning closely with Scotch Beef’s Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) credentials. QMS said the club model helps build long-term relationships with chefs and operators, driving menu adoption and brand loyalty.

The move reflects a broader push by Scottish red meat bodies to diversify export markets and capture value through foodservice-led promotion rather than volume-driven retail growth.

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Source: FarmingUK | 19 January 2026

Brazil Fills US Beef Quota by 6 January

Brazil has fully exhausted its tariff-free beef export quota to the United States for 2026, reaching the limit by 6 January, one of the fastest fill rates on record.

According to reporting by Euromeatnews.com, the rapid quota exhaustion reflects a combination of tight US domestic beef supply and a reduced quota allocation for Brazilian beef compared with previous years.

The US market has been experiencing lower cattle availability and elevated beef prices, encouraging importers to secure volumes early in the year. Brazilian beef, priced competitively and available in volume, has been a key beneficiary of this demand.

With the quota now filled, any further Brazilian beef shipments to the US in 2026 will face higher out-of-quota tariffs, potentially slowing flows and opening opportunities for alternative suppliers. Analysts suggest this could support increased interest in beef from countries with unused quota access or preferential trade arrangements.

The development underlines Brazil’s continued role as a global swing supplier, capable of responding rapidly to international market gaps, while also highlighting how quota structures can shape trade flows and pricing early in the calendar year.

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Source: Euromeatnews.com | 19 January 2026

Feed Protein Reforms Await EU SPS Agreement

Planned regulatory changes to allow the use of processed animal protein (PAP) from pigs and poultry in animal feed have been delayed. Now, implementation is contingent on a new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement with the EU.

According to reporting by Farmers Guardian, both the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Welsh Government have confirmed their intention to re-permit PAP use — a practice banned since the 1990s following the BSE crisis. However, they have acknowledged that progress is on hold.

Officials indicated that alignment with EU rules is necessary to avoid trade friction. This is particularly vital for livestock products moving between Great Britain and the EU. Without an SPS agreement in place, the reintroduction of PAP could complicate export certification. It could also affect border controls.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the policy direction, citing sustainability, circular economy benefits and reduced reliance on imported feed proteins. Meanwhile, frustration remains over the lack of a clear timetable. Thus, businesses are unable to plan investment or reformulation until regulatory certainty is restored.

The delay underscores how post-Brexit regulatory flexibility remains closely tied to EU market access considerations, especially in feed and livestock policy.

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Source: Farmers Guardian | 19 January 2026

South African Red Meat Body Welcomes National FMD Vaccination Strategy

South Africa’s red meat industry has cautiously welcomed a new 10-year government strategy to vaccinate the national herd against Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD). This comes as the country continues to battle one of its most damaging livestock disease outbreaks in decades.

According to reporting by IOL Business Report, the plan has been broadly supported by the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation. The organisation described vaccination as a necessary step to restore confidence, stabilise production and protect both domestic supply and export potential.

However, industry leaders have raised concerns over the lack of detailed implementation plans, ongoing confusion around roles and responsibilities, and disputes over vaccine availability and access. As a result, the sector has urged authorities to improve communication and coordination to ensure the strategy delivers meaningful results on the ground.

FMD outbreaks have severely disrupted livestock movements and trade, placing pressure on farmers, processors and exporters alike. Industry representatives say a clear, well-resourced vaccination programme is essential if South Africa is to regain disease control and rebuild market confidence.

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Source: IOL Business Report | 19 January 2026

Bord Bia Targets China Boost for Irish Beef Exports

Ireland’s beef export agency is preparing to relaunch Irish beef in China following the lifting of a market suspension. This marks a significant step forward for the sector’s Asian export strategy.

According to reporting by Waterford News & Star, Bord Bia plans to roll out renewed promotional activity around Chinese New Year. This effort will target foodservice, retail and trade buyers as shipments resume.

China is viewed as a high-value destination for Irish beef, particularly for cuts and products less favoured in European markets. The reopening is expected to improve carcase balance and enhance overall export returns for processors.

In addition to China, Ireland has also secured new market access to Vietnam. This further strengthens export diversification across Asia. Industry figures say these developments offer important growth opportunities. This comes at a time when EU beef supply remains tight and global demand for premium protein continues to expand.

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Source: Waterford News & Star | 18 January 2026

Forequarter Beef Prices Jump Over 40% in 2025

Factory beef sale prices in Ireland recorded substantial year on year growth in 2025, reflecting a firm pricing environment across the beef supply chain, according to new data published by the Agri-Food Regulator. Notably, factory beef sale prices Ireland have become a key indicator of market strength this year.

Analysis reported by Agriland.ie shows that, as of mid-December 2025, prices achieved by processors rose sharply across key beef categories. Forequarter beef increased by 42.5%, while hindquarters were up 28.18% compared with the previous year. Minced beef prices also climbed strongly, rising 29.32% year on year.

The figures underline the scale of value growth seen in the Irish beef sector over the past year, driven by tight cattle supplies, elevated farmgate prices and resilient demand. Furthermore, factory beef sale prices Ireland have supported returns through the entire supply chain, but they also reflect increased raw material costs facing processors.

The data provides further evidence of how constrained livestock availability has reshaped pricing dynamics across the Irish beef market heading into 2026. In summary, monitoring factory beef sale prices Ireland will remain essential for understanding the market outlook.

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Source: Agriland.ie  | 18 January 2026

Flooding and Firm Demand Shake Australian Livestock Markets

Extreme weather across Queensland and Victoria disrupted saleyard operations and buyer attendance this week, leading to uneven yardings and increased price volatility across cattle and sheep markets.

Restocker demand remained strong, lifting the Yearling Steer Indicator by 37¢ to 497¢/kg liveweight, while processor cow prices broadly held despite increased yardings. Meanwhile, cattle slaughter continued to rise sharply, while sheep and lamb slaughter remained well below year-ago levels.

Cattle market

Flooding forced the cancellation of the Gracemere sale at the Central Queensland Livestock Exchange, with saleyard supply across Queensland remaining tight. In New South Wales, pricing was largely quality driven, with hot and dry conditions bringing more secondary-condition cattle to market.

Singleton recorded its largest yarding since February 2018, reaching 1,816 head, dominated by steer and heifer weaners. Dubbo also saw a notable lift in numbers.

Strong restocker competition from southern Queensland and northern NSW pushed the Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator to 497¢/kg lwt. Roma delivered standout results, with:

• 200–280kg yearling steers selling up to 598¢/kg

• 280–330kg steers reaching 596¢/kg

The Processor Cow Indicator eased 2¢ to 384¢/kg lwt, reflecting a yarding increase to 6,906 head. Despite this, prices held relatively firm due to good numbers of well-finished cattle, while lighter cows attracted solid demand in NSW.

Sheep market

Victorian lamb markets showed a clear split between well-weighted, good-quality lambs and drier, plainer types. A strong offering of unshorn lambs at Ballarat generated active restocker and feedlot interest.

Despite limited quality mutton in some centres, competition remained intense, lifting the Mutton Indicator by 4¢ to 758¢/kg carcase weight (cwt). Increased yardings allowed buyers to be more selective in heavier categories.

The Heavy Lamb Indicator fell 27¢ to 1,044¢/kg cwt, reflecting inconsistent supply of heavy lambs and variable buyer participation across key saleyards.

Slaughter

Week ending 9 January 2026

Cattle slaughter reached 127,354 head, up 17% year on year, with female slaughter at 49,263 head, representing a female slaughter rate (FSR) of 39%.

Cattle slaughter by state (YoY):

• NSW: 31,241 (-3%)

• Queensland: 59,319 (+29%)

• Victoria: 24,636 (+28%)

• South Australia: 3,049 (-16%)

• Tasmania: 4,995 (+2%)

• Western Australia: 4,114 (+61%)

Sheep slaughter remained low at 129,989 head, down 34% year on year, while lamb slaughter declined 3% to 458,252 head.

Lamb slaughter by state (YoY):

• NSW: 98,033 (-11%)

• Queensland: 1,136 (-9%)

• Victoria: 265,194 (+12%)

• South Australia: 36,068 (-36%)

• Tasmania: 8,900 (-5%)

• Western Australia: 48,921 (-14%)

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 16 January 2026

Attribution: Stephanie Pitt, NLRS Manager

Supply Constraints Underpin Livestock Prices

UK cattle and sheep markets remained well supported over the past week, with tight livestock availability continuing to underpin prices, according to the latest market wrap from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Prime cattle prices held firm, supported by restricted numbers and steady buyer demand. Deadweight prices remained close to recent highs, with processors continuing to compete for limited supplies. AHDB noted that throughput remains constrained, reinforcing the structural tightness seen across the beef sector.

The lamb trade also stayed strong, with limited lamb availability maintaining pressure on buyers. Deadweight and liveweight prices were broadly stable to firmer, reflecting ongoing supply-side constraints rather than any significant change in demand conditions.

AHDB said current market conditions continue to favour producers, with supply levels expected to remain tight in the near term, particularly for sheep, helping to support values into the early part of 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 16 January 2026