Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Key Points

• Restocker cattle demand reflects the impact of the rainfall events of the last month.
• The National Mutton Indicator continues to recorrect.
• National cattle slaughter lifted above 150,000 head for the first time since June 2019.

Australia is heading into a series of public holidays that are expected to disrupt regular operations at saleyards and meat processing plants across the country. Market indicators and processing volumes will be impacted over the upcoming weeks. MLA will continue monitoring the prices and markets and return to regular market commentary once all saleyards are back online.

Upcoming National Public Holidays

• Easter: Friday 18 April – Monday 21 April
• ANZAC Day: Friday 25 April
• Labour Day (Queensland) and May Day (NT): Monday 5 May

A list of affected sales can be found in the article here.

Cattle Market

The mixed results in the cattle market this week were due to the volatility of supply in saleyards. This was caused by interrupted sales, with reduced yardings the week prior.

As the effects of the Queensland and NSW rain are realised in feed, confidence in the market has been reflected in the lifting of the Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicator and Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator. Despite a lift in indicator yardings, both indicators lifted 4¢ last week to 328¢/kg liveweight (lwt) and 401¢/kg lwt, respectively.

Finished animals did not fare well this week, with the Heavy Steer Indicator easing 16¢ to 356¢/kg lwt. This has further separated the gap between the steer indicators as the market reflects the weight of gaining confidence. The Processor Cow Indicator similarly fell, easing 13¢ to 284¢/kg lwt, a seeming correction of the spikes seen last week.

Sheep Market

The sheep market was similarly mixed this week. Similar to cattle, yardings were impacted by interrupted sales.

Finished stock remained relatively stable, with the Heavy Lamb Indicator and Trade Lamb moving sideways to 815¢ and 801¢/kg cwt.

Restocker lambs eased to 669¢/kg cwt, driven mostly by confidence in NSW markets pulling prices up last week, and a lack of competitive pulling them back down. The National Mutton Indicator continued its decline, down 78¢ to 431¢/kg cwt, despite a significant reduction in the supply of mutton through yards. Moving through autumn, it is likely we will see a continued reduction in supply.

Slaughter

Week Ending 11 April 2025

Processing volumes for the week ending 11 April lifted from last week as processors recovered from the impact of the floods in Queensland and prepared for several weeks of interrupted processing. Processing volumes tend to lift in the week before Easter, and this year’s increases are in line with this historical trend.

The next two slaughter reports will be impacted by the upcoming short weeks.

Cattle Slaughter

National slaughter lifted 6% to 152,180 head, thanks to significant lifts in NSW and Victoria. Both states had their largest kill weeks in five years, processing 37,994 and 25,411 head, respectively.

Consistent lifts across all states last week (up 0–⁠8%) also contributed:

• NSW up 6% to 37,994
• Queensland up 6% to 77,335
• SA up 1% to 3,815
• Tasmania up 1% to 5,016
• Victoria up 8% to 25,411
• WA steady at 2,609.

Sheep Slaughter

Lamb processing reached records, lifting 4% for a record throughput of 527,045 head, the fourth consecutive week above the half-million mark. This reflects the continued supply of the 2024 lamb cohort, many of which were retained longer due to poorer conditions and weight gain decisions.

NSW throughput lifted 5% to 131,364, its largest week since September 2024. Victoria’s throughput also lifted 3% last week to 261,758, the second-largest state throughput, just behind last month’s record. State-by-state breakdown was as follows:

• NSW up 5% to 131,364
• Queensland up 4% to 1,460
• SA up 8% to 61,959
• Tasmania up 7% to 11,563
• Victoria up 3% to 261,758
• WA up 1% to 58,941.

Lifts were also seen in sheep slaughter, which increased 4% to 197,580, though throughput remained below the 2025 average. Increases across both categories took the combined slaughter to 724,627 head, the third largest throughput of the year.

Attribute to: Erin Lukey, MLA Senior Market Information Analyst.

 

 

UK Farmers Raise Concerns Over Food Standards in Potential US Trade Deal

As the United Kingdom and the United States revive talks of a potential UK-US trade deal, British farmers are voicing strong concerns about protecting UK food standards, especially regarding hormone-treated US beef.

US-UK Trade Deal Talks Resume

Speaking recently, US Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about a future agreement, stating there is a “good chance” of finalising a deal. However, previous negotiations stalled over major differences in food safety regulations and animal welfare standards.

British Farmers Demand Equal Standards for Imported Meat

David Barton, Livestock Chair of the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), stressed the importance of holding imported food to the same high standards required of UK farmers.

“There is no way we would accept anything that is not produced to our standards,” said Barton. “If US beef is to be imported, it must pass the same rigorous tests as British meat.”

UK Beef Farming: A Quality-Driven Model

Barton, who runs a beef cattle farm in the Cotswolds, near Cirencester, highlighted the strengths of British beef production. His cattle are largely raised on natural grass pasture and their mother’s milk, with winter feed sourced locally.

“Our temperate climate, our lush grass — the British Isles are just designed for beef. We don’t have to add much,” he explained.

While he respects the efforts of American beef producers, Barton emphasised the advantages of the UK’s natural farming conditions and traditional practices.

Trade Deal Implications for UK Agriculture

British farmers are urging the UK Government to ensure any post-Brexit trade agreements uphold the country’s high animal welfare, environmental, and food safety standards.

The inclusion of hormone-treated beef or lower-standard imports could undercut UK producers and undermine consumer trust. The outcome of these negotiations will have lasting effects on British agriculture, food integrity, and the broader UK food supply chain.

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Key Takeaways:

• UK farmers support fair trade but demand equal standards for imported food.

• Hormone-treated beef remains a sticking point in UK-US trade talks.

• The NFU calls for a level playing field to protect UK farming and consumer trust.

Original Source: BBC News

 

UK Beef Trade Witnesses Historic Activity as Prices Climb to £7/kg

The UK beef market is experiencing historically high prices, with the R4L steer price recently breaking the £7/kg deadweight barrier. This unprecedented situation is driven by a combination of factors:

Reduced Domestic Cattle Supply

The UK cattle herd has been shrinking, particularly the beef female breeding herd. This decline, coupled with a forecast 6% drop in prime cattle slaughter for 2025, means fewer animals are available for processing. Several factors contribute to this, including underlying business profitability concerns, declining direct payments to farmers, and a shift towards dairy-beef production. Farm closures in regions like Scotland have further exacerbated the supply shortage.

Strong Demand

Despite rising prices, demand for British beef remains robust both domestically and in export markets. Consumers increasingly prefer fresh, primary beef cuts. The global appetite for beef has also contributed to strong export figures for the UK.

Increased Costs

Farmers face higher input costs for feed, energy, and transportation, which are being passed down the supply chain. Rising minimum wage and other economic factors are also influencing prices.

Global Market Influences

International demand, particularly from the EU, and ongoing global supply chain disruptions contribute to the UK’s beef price levels. While the UK is a significant beef exporter, it also relies on imports to meet demand, making it susceptible to global price fluctuations.

Weather Conditions

Unpredictable weather patterns can impact agricultural production, leading to lower crop yields for feed and affecting cattle health, further straining supply.

Looking Ahead

While high farmgate cattle prices are expected to be supported throughout 2025 due to tight supply, the price sensitivity of consumers will be a crucial factor in overall carcass values. The UK is also expected to increase beef imports to compensate for lower domestic production.

 

Original story: AHDB

 

China Signs Agricultural Trade Deal with Spain Amid US-China Tariff Tensions

Beijing/Madrid, April 11 (Reuters) – China has signed two new agricultural trade protocols with Spain, covering Spanish pork and cherries, in a move to strengthen ties with the European Union amidst intensifying US-China trade tensions. The agreement was announced by Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during his visit to Beijing on Friday.

Pork Deal Opens Doors for Offal Exports to China

The new protocols include pork products that were previously restricted, such as pork stomachs—a delicacy in China but not widely consumed in Europe. The agreement marks a significant step forward for Spain’s meat industry, opening fresh opportunities in the world’s largest pork import market.

Daniel de Miguel, International Manager at Interporc, Spain’s pork producers association, noted the importance of the deal:

“This new inclusion is vital, as pork offal—such as stomachs, ears, and feet—is in high demand in China but often has limited value in European markets.”

The National Association of Spanish Meat Industries (ANICE) also welcomed the deal, citing the increasing global trade volatility:

“In a context of enormous international commercial turbulence, we welcome this gesture from China, which opens new doors for our pork exports,” the organisation said in a statement.

Strategic Timing Amid US-China Tariff Escalation

This agreement comes shortly after US President Donald Trump raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, prompting China to retaliate with 125% duties on US goods. Amid this escalating tariff war, China’s trade pivot towards the European Union is seen as a strategic counterbalance.

Potential Impact on Anti-Dumping Probe

Analysts believe the pork deal could signal a softening in China’s stance on its ongoing anti-dumping investigation into EU pork—a probe launched in response to EU tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles.

“This is great news for Spain’s pig farmers,” said Even Rogers Pay, agriculture analyst at Trivium China. “It suggests Chinese regulators may delay or ease the pork investigation, similar to what we’ve recently seen with EU brandy.”

The investigation, if fully enforced, could heavily impact top EU pork exporters like Spain, Denmark, and the Netherlands, whose exports to China are dominated by offal cuts not commonly consumed in Europe.

Strengthening EU-China Agricultural Trade

The agreement underscores China’s broader strategy of building economic bridges with the EU while reducing reliance on the US during ongoing trade disputes. It also offers a boost to Spain’s agri-food sector, particularly amid volatile international market conditions.

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Key Takeaways:

• China and Spain sign trade deal covering pork (including stomachs) and cherries.

• The deal may ease pressure from China’s anti-dumping probe on EU pork.

• Agreement comes amid escalating US-China tariffs and trade realignments.

• Positive outlook for Spanish pork exports and EU-China agri-trade relations.

Original source: Reuters

 

Brazilian meatpacking giant JBS has announced a $100 million investment to build two meat processing factories in Vietnam, marking a strategic move to expand its presence in Southeast Asia and strengthen its global market reach.

Key Project Details:

• First Factory: Located in the Nam Dinh Vu Industrial Park in Haiphong (northern Vietnam), this facility will include a logistics centre, along with storage, pre-processing, cutting, and packaging capabilities. It will primarily process beef, pork, and poultry using raw materials imported from Brazil, aimed at supplying both the domestic market and regional customers.
• Second Factory: Planned for southern Vietnam, construction is expected to begin two years after the first facility becomes operational. It will offer similar infrastructure and capabilities.

The project was formalised through a memorandum of understanding with the Vietnamese government during Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s recent state visit to Vietnam.

Renato Costa, president of JBS subsidiary Friboi, stated that the factories are not just about increasing capacity but also about creating value for the local economy. The investment aims to generate skilled jobs, enhance food security across Southeast Asia, and support the transfer of knowledge and technology through training programmes for Vietnamese workers.

The initiative is expected to create around 500 jobs and will contribute to developing Vietnam’s food production and export capabilities.

Original story: Vietnam Investment Review 

Abattoirs Hit by FSA Meat Charge Rise

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has announced a significant increase in meat inspection charges, set to take effect from 1 April 2025. This uplift is expected to add further financial strain on small and medium-sized abattoirs across the UK.

The hourly rates for official veterinarians (OVs) and meat hygiene inspectors (MHIs) visiting abattoirs will rise by 17.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The new rates will be £65.90 per hour for OVs and £43.20 per hour for MHIs. These charges apply to various approved meat premises, including slaughterhouses, cutting plants, and on-farm slaughtering facilities.

The FSA’s decision has sparked concern among industry leaders, who warn that the increased costs could lead to more abattoir closures, particularly affecting rural areas. The National Farmers’ Union (NFU) has called for more support for local abattoirs, highlighting the risk of increased journey times for animals and higher operational costs.

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has also voiced strong opposition, describing the fee hikes as an “unjustified gouge” on the sector. AIMS has challenged the legitimacy of the charges, arguing that traditional meat inspection delivers no discernible food safety benefits.

With the number of abattoirs in the UK already in decline, the new charges could exacerbate the situation, reducing competition and consumer choice. Industry experts are urging the FSA to reconsider the fee increases and explore structural reforms to support the struggling meat industry.

Original story: NFU Online 

UK Bans Livestock Imports from Austria to Prevent Spread of Foot and Mouth Disease

The UK Government has announced a temporary ban on the commercial import of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, and wild boar from Austria to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease (FMD). This precaution follows the confirmation of a new FMD case in Hungary, near the Austrian border.

Import Ban Expanded Amid FMD Outbreak in Europe

The import restrictions apply to live animals and untreated animal products such as fresh meat, dairy, and other raw goods. The ban now includes Austria, in addition to existing bans on imports from Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany.

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer has emphasised that while FMD poses no risk to human health or food safety, it is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, deer, wild boar, llamas, and alpacas.

Personal Imports Also Restricted

In addition to commercial imports, travellers are no longer permitted to bring the following items into Great Britain from Austria:

• Meat and meat products

• Milk and dairy products

• Animal by-products from pigs and ruminants

• Certain composite products

• Hay and straw

These restrictions match existing measures already in place for Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia.

Government Actions to Protect UK Livestock

Authorities are working closely with border control agencies and traders to manage the risk from any goods currently en route to Great Britain. Pre-notification and enhanced border checks are in place to prevent the entry of restricted items.

Livestock Keepers Urged to Stay Vigilant

The UK Chief Veterinary Officer is calling on livestock farmers to remain alert for clinical signs of foot and mouth disease, particularly after recent outbreaks in Europe.

Common signs of FMD in livestock include:

• Fever

• Lameness

• Excessive salivation

• Blisters on the feet and mouth

Although no cases have been reported in the UK, the economic impact of an outbreak would be severe—leading to production losses, trade restrictions, and potential loss of access to export markets.

What Is Foot and Mouth Disease?

Foot and mouth disease is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals. It spreads rapidly through animal contact, contaminated equipment, and even via clothing or vehicles.

Strict biosecurity practices are essential to prevent an outbreak and protect the UK’s livestock industry.

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Key Takeaways:

• UK bans imports of live animals and certain products from Austria due to FMD risk

• Import restrictions also apply to Hungary, Slovakia, and Germany

• Travellers face limits on personal imports of meat, dairy, and hay

• Livestock owners are urged to maintain strict biosecurity

Source: Gov.UK