Irish Beef Trade: Factory Quotes Show More Positive Trend Amidst Tight Supply

IRELAND –  (May 26, 2025) – The Irish beef cattle trade is exhibiting a more positive trend this week, with some processors increasing their price offerings despite many holding steady. A noticeable variation in bull prices has emerged, reflecting the ongoing scarcity of factory-fit cattle.

According to Agriland.ie’s latest report on May 26, 2025, while most beef processors maintained price offers similar to last week, certain outlets have raised their bids. Notably, there’s a significant difference of up to 40c/kg within grades for under-24-month bulls across various outlets.

Current factory quotes for steers (bullocks) range from €7.50-€7.60/kg on the grid, with heifers generally fetching €7.60-€7.70/kg. Breed bonuses continue to be a factor, with Angus eligible cattle receiving up to 30c/kg, and Hereford bonuses typically between 20-25c/kg, despite the official conclusion of the Irish Hereford Prime pre-booked bonus last week.

Beef procurement staff are acutely aware of an impending shortage of cattle. Favourable weather conditions and strong trade earlier in the year led to more cattle being brought forward for slaughter ahead of schedule. While the long-term impact on supplies for the latter half of the year remains to be seen, all current indicators point towards a tight supply.

Cow prices largely remain consistent with last week, though some previously lower-paying outlets have upped their offers. Generally, ‘U’ grade cows are quoted at €7.40-€7.50/kg, ‘R’ grade at €7.20-€7.30/kg, ‘O’ grade at €6.90/kg, and well-fleshed ‘P’ grade cows at €6.80/kg.

For bulls, price quotes for under-24-month animals show considerable variation. However, stronger buyers are offering up to €8.00/kg for ‘U’ grade bulls and €7.90/kg for ‘R’ grade bulls. ‘O’ grade bulls are quoted at €7.70/kg and ‘P’ grade bulls at €7.60/kg. Under-16-month bulls are being quoted at up to €7.70/kg on the grid.

Processors appear to be striving for price stability, but the prevailing tight supply conditions are, in reality, exerting upward pressure on prices paid, as evidenced by official price trends.

Original source: Agriland 

Iceland Deploys Steak Dispensers to Combat Shoplifting

UK – [May 25, 2025] – Supermarket chain Iceland has introduced an innovative measure across its UK stores to tackle the growing problem of meat theft, a move highlighted in a recent report by Express.co.uk, by rolling out steak dispensers that have also unexpectedly driven a significant surge in sales.

Developed in collaboration with security firm Harrison Retail, these specialized dispensers have been implemented in 30 Iceland and Food Warehouse stores across the country over the past year. Designed to fit upright on chiller shelves, the units feature a “controlled retrieval” flap, allowing customers to take only one packet of steak at a time.

Prime fresh cuts of meat, particularly high-value steak ranges, have become a frequent target for shoplifters, causing substantial losses for retailers. By containing Iceland’s 12oz and 16oz steak lines, each dispenser holding eight steaks, the new system prevents thieves from “sweeping” multiple items off the shelves in a single grab.

The initiative has yielded impressive results for Iceland. Since the introduction of the dispensers, sales of its steak lines have reportedly increased by an average of 129%. Furthermore, the measure has contributed to an 8.5% reduction in food waste.

This move by Iceland highlights the escalating challenge of retail theft. According to recent data from the British Retail Consortium’s latest crime survey, the UK experienced a staggering 20 million individual incidents of theft last year, underscoring the pressure on retailers to innovate security solutions.

HCC Seeks Industry Input for Vision 2030

Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC), the red meat levy board, is actively engaging with levy-payers to inform its crucial new strategic document, “Vision 2030.” This comprehensive plan will set the organization’s priorities and guide its support for the Welsh red meat industry over the next four years.

To gather vital industry perspectives, HCC has launched an online survey, accessible to all levy-payers. The survey, which went live on Monday, May 20, 2025, will remain open until Friday, July 25, 2025.

José Peralta, Chief Executive of HCC, underscored the significance of this consultation. “HCC’s strategic purpose, underpinned by the Red Meat Industry (Wales) Measure 2010, comes from its vision document. As we look towards the culmination of the current vision, we must also plan for the next,” he stated. “I have met with a number of key stakeholder groups in recent weeks to start this important discussion. The survey is the next step to gather industry views on the industry’s challenges and priorities, and what HCC can do to support it.”

The online survey is a key component of a wider engagement initiative planned throughout 2025. This extensive outreach will also include direct meetings and HCC’s attendance at various livestock markets and industry events across Wales. The first of these direct engagements took place at NSA Welsh Sheep at Tregoyd Farm, Brecon, on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, where HCC representatives were available to discuss industry concerns and opportunities.

HCC urges all levy-payers to participate actively in this process. “Our survey will form part of a wider engagement plan delivered throughout 2025,” Peralta explained. “We would ask levy payers to come and talk to us at forthcoming events, or fill the online survey to make your views heard. It is vital that stakeholders from across Wales contribute to the process so that HCC is fully informed of the complex challenges within our industry.”

By providing your insights, you can directly influence the strategic direction of HCC and help shape a resilient and prosperous future for the Welsh red meat sector.

Click here to access the HCC Vision 2030 survey: https://hcc.wales/en/news/hcc-to-consult-on-future-strategic-direction

China and Other Nations Reject In-Transit Brazilian Chicken Cargoes Over Bird Flu

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing immediate logistical and financial challenges as countries, including China, are rejecting chicken consignments already in transit following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm.

Ricardo Santin, president of the Brazilian meat lobby ABPA, stated on Tuesday that the rejection of these cargoes, representing 39% of the global chicken trade, will vary from 14 to 28 days based on the shipment date and the discretion of destination countries’ veterinary services. This situation places major meat processors like BRF SA and JBS SA in a “tight spot,” dealing with increased logistics costs and significant uncertainty.

The outbreak in Montenegro, Rio Grande do Sul state, triggered health protocols leading to rejections from countries such as China, Mexico, and Chile, among others. Santin noted that easing these restrictions for in-transit cargo, particularly from regions distant from the outbreak zone, is a possibility but will necessitate negotiations.

Santin highlighted the difficulty in calculating precise losses due to the varied scope and duration of trade bans, which depend on individual health protocols and ongoing talks with importing nations. He recalled that China had imposed a nationwide ban on Brazilian chicken for approximately three weeks last year following a Newcastle disease case, also in Rio Grande do Sul, before narrowing it to a state-wide restriction.

Original source: Reuters 

Emily Norton Appointed New Chair of AHDB

STONELEIGH, UK – May 21, 2025 The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has announced the appointment of Emily Norton as its new Chair. Ms. Norton takes over the leadership role from Nicholas Saphir, who has completed his tenure.

The appointment marks a significant transition for AHDB, the statutory levy board for the red meat, dairy, cereals and oilseeds, and horticulture sectors in Great Britain. Emily Norton brings a wealth of experience to the position, poised to guide the organisation through its strategic objectives and continued support for the farming and growing industries.

Further details regarding Ms. Norton’s background, vision for AHDB, and the transition process are expected to be elaborated upon by the organisation. Her leadership will be key in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing British agriculture, from sustainability and innovation to market development and producer support.

Original source: AHDB 

The newly announced UK-EU reset deal is being hailed as a transformative moment for Britain’s food industry, with sweeping changes aimed at easing trade frictions and lowering costs for consumers and businesses alike.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the agreement as a “win-win” that restores Britain’s position on the global stage. Among the most impactful provisions are those targeting the food and drink sector, which has faced years of disruption since Brexit.

Key Food Trade Reforms

• Simplified Border Checks: A new sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) agreement will remove many routine checks on animal and plant products. This is expected to reduce delays, cut costs, and improve the freshness and availability of goods on both sides of the Channel.
• End of Meat Export Bans: The EU’s longstanding ban on UK exports of sausages, mince, and some other chilled meats—imposed in 2021—will be lifted. This opens the door for British producers to re-enter a vital European market.
• This change is part of a broader veterinary agreement that also reduces red tape and health certification requirements for British food exports. In exchange, the UK has agreed to align with EU sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) rules and grant long-term access to UK fishing waters.
• The lifting of the ban is expected to significantly benefit British meat producers and exporters, reopening a vital European market that had been largely inaccessible for over four years.
• Lower Prices and Greater Choice: With fewer bureaucratic hurdles and faster transit times, retailers anticipate a broader range of products and more competitive pricing for consumers.
• Industry Reaction: Karen Betts, Chief Executive of the Food and Drink Federation, welcomed the deal, noting that Europe remains the UK’s largest customer and supplier. “Trade in both directions has become complex and challenging,” she said. “A high-quality agreement will have clear benefits for consumers and businesses.”

Strategic Importance

The food and drink sector has been one of the hardest hit by post-Brexit trade barriers. Exports to the EU have fallen by a third since 2019, and importers have struggled with rising costs and logistical headaches. The new deal is seen as a vital step toward reversing that trend and restoring confidence in cross-border supply chains.

Retailers and manufacturers are now urging the government to work closely with industry to implement the changes smoothly and ensure the UK has a voice in future EU regulatory decisions that could affect British competitiveness.

EU Bans All Brazilian Poultry and Meat Imports Over Bird Flu Outbreak
The European Union has halted all imports of poultry and meat products from Brazil following the confirmation of Brazil’s first bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. The European Commission stated on Monday that EU import conditions require the exporting country to be free of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

This move by the EU follows Brazil’s announcement on Friday of the H5N1 outbreak, which also triggered a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions from other major consumers like Japan. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro had previously indicated that, under existing protocols, the EU, China, and South Korea would impose 60-day bans.

A European Commission spokesperson confirmed via email that Brazilian authorities can no longer sign the necessary animal health certificates for exports to the EU, thus preventing any poultry or meat products from any part of Brazil from entering the bloc.

Original source: Reuters

Atypical BSE Case Confirmed in Essex, No Risk to Public Health or Food Safety

A single case of atypical Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) has been confirmed on a farm in Essex. Authorities swiftly moved to reassure the public that there is no risk to human health or food safety from this isolated incident.

The animal, which showed some clinical signs of BSE, was humanely culled on the farm and tested as part of Defra’s routine surveillance programme. As it was fallen stock, the animal was not destined to enter the food chain.

Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss clarified, “Atypical BSE is distinct from classical BSE and is a spontaneously and sporadically occurring, non-contagious disease which is believed to occur at a very low level in all cattle populations. This is proof that our surveillance system for detecting and containing this type of disease is working.”

Dr. James Cooper, Deputy Director of Food Policy at the Food Standards Agency, echoed this reassurance: “There is no food safety risk. There are strict controls in place to protect consumers from the risk of BSE, including controls on animal feed, and removal of the parts of cattle most likely to carry BSE infectivity.” He added that consumers can be confident in these protective measures, with FSA Official Veterinarians and Meat Hygiene Inspectors continuing to ensure consumer safety in all abattoirs.

Great Britain’s overall risk status for BSE remains at ‘controlled’. The World Organisation for Animal Health and international trading partners have been informed, and the case does not affect the UK’s ability to export beef to other countries.

BSE is a notifiable animal disease. Suspected cases must be reported immediately by calling the Defra Rural Services Helpline on 03000 200 301 (England), 0300 303 8268 (Wales), or your local Field Services Office in Scotland. Failure to report is an offence.

Original source: Gov.uk

Pembrokeshire’s Only “State-of-the-Art” Abattoir Gets Expansion Go-Ahead

Plans to expand facilities at Euro Farm Wales, Pembrokeshire’s sole “state-of-the-art” abattoir, have been given the green light by Pembrokeshire County Council.

The application sought permission for an extension to the yard, along with the construction of a storage building and water tanks, at the existing abattoir located on the Withybush Trading Estate in Haverfordwest.

According to a supporting statement from Johnston Planning Ltd, the expansion aims to improve the management of the facility through better vehicle circulation and management. It clarified that the proposals would not lead to a significant increase in the abattoir’s throughput or involve any additional animal storage or processing areas.

An officer report recommending approval highlighted the abattoir’s vital role in serving the entire county as its only slaughterhouse and beef processing facility, providing an essential service to the local farming community. The report also noted that a previous, similar application was withdrawn to address officer concerns regarding drainage details and potential impacts on a nearby Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

The approved scheme is anticipated to yield positive economic benefits by enabling the expansion of the existing business and securing local employment. Furthermore, positive environmental impacts are expected through the implementation of a sustainable drainage system for surface water and the provision of landscaping on the eastern boundary, as well as bird boxes on the proposed storage building.

The application was granted conditional approval, paving the way for the expansion of this key agricultural infrastructure in Pembrokeshire.

Original source: Yahoo News

Brazil Pins Hopes on Regional Approach to Ease Bird Flu Trade Bans

Brazil’s poultry industry is facing a challenging period following the country’s first confirmed bird flu outbreak on a commercial farm. However, Brazilian officials are optimistic that major importers, particularly China, will adopt a regional approach to trade bans, limiting restrictions to the affected southern state rather than implementing nationwide suspensions.

Luis Rua, international secretary at Brazil’s Agriculture Ministry, expressed confidence that “since global demand is very strong, it’s likely that there will soon be some flexibility.” He added, “We are doing our part to quickly share information so things aren’t suspended for long.”

The hope is that China, Brazil’s largest chicken export market, will follow the lead of Japan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, which have indicated a willingness to restrict bans to chicken from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where the outbreak occurred.

A nationwide ban would be particularly painful for both Brazil, which accounts for over 35% of global chicken exports, and major importers like China, which sources over half of its chicken imports from Brazil. Brazilian Agriculture Minister Carlos Favaro highlighted this reliance, noting that the United States is the other primary supplier to China.

Interestingly, China already has significant restrictions on US poultry due to a widespread bird flu outbreak in the United States and ongoing trade tensions. Currently, China blocks poultry imports from more than 40 US states.

Brazilian officials are banking on their ability to contain the outbreak within Rio Grande do Sul and the strong global demand for chicken to persuade key importers to adopt a targeted, regional approach to any trade restrictions.

Original source: Reuters