UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Decline, Defra Survey Shows

The UK’s cattle and sheep populations continue to contract, reinforcing concerns over long-term livestock availability, according to the latest analysis from AHDB based on Defra’s June 2025 survey.

The total UK cattle herd fell by 1% year on year to 9.29 million head, with a sharp 4% reduction in the suckler herd only partially offset by a 1% increase in dairy cow numbers. The continued decline in beef breeding animals is adding to pressure on future prime cattle supplies.

The sheep sector shows a similar trend. The UK sheep flock fell by almost 2% to 30.48 million head, while the number of lambs under one year old dropped to its lowest level since 1984. AHDB notes that this decline in younger stock has significant implications for lamb availability and throughput in the years ahead.

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Source article: AHDB | 18 December 2025

Spanish Police Search Laboratory in African Swine Fever Investigation

Spanish authorities have searched a laboratory as part of an investigation into a recent outbreak of African swine fever (ASF). This has raised fresh concerns over biosecurity and disease control within Europe’s pork sector.

According to Reuters, Spanish police carried out the search after questions emerged over whether the ASF virus detected in wild boar may have originated from a research facility. The outbreak was confirmed in wild boar in the Catalonia region. Consequently, this triggered heightened surveillance and emergency controls.

ASF is a highly contagious viral disease affecting pigs and wild boar, with no vaccine currently available. While it poses no risk to human health, outbreaks can have severe economic consequences. These include leading to trade restrictions, market disruption and sharp price volatility.

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Source article: Reuters | 18 December 2025

US Cattle Inventories Hit 70-Year Low, Driving Record High Prices

US cattle inventories have fallen to their lowest level in more than 70 years, underpinning record-high cattle and beef prices across the American market. Official estimates put the national herd at 86.7 million head as of 1 January 2025, the smallest since the early 1950s, according to analysis referenced by Ohio State University.

The sharp contraction in supply is feeding directly into prices. Fed cattle are averaging around $224 per cwt, up 20% year on year, while the Choice boxed beef cut-out has averaged $359 per cwt, representing a 17% increase on 2024. Tight availability has also prompted forecasts of a 4.1% decline in US beef production for 2025.

Analysts say the current cycle differs from previous downturns. While the last major herd rebuild began in 2014, the recovery this time is expected to be slower and more cautious, reflecting higher input costs, land constraints and lingering weather impacts. As a result, supply is likely to remain constrained even as demand stays firm.

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Source article: Ohio State University | 18 December 2025 

US to Enforce Stricter “Product of USA” Labelling for Meat

The United States will introduce stricter rules on the use of “Product of USA” labelling for meat and poultry from 1 January 2026, following updated guidance from the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Under the new requirements, meat or poultry products carrying the claim must come from animals that were born, raised, slaughtered and processed entirely within the United States. The move closes long-standing loopholes that allowed imported livestock to be processed domestically and then marketed using US-origin claims.

The guidance also raises the bar for multi-ingredient products. To qualify for “Product of USA” labelling, all meat and poultry ingredients must be of US origin, alongside all other ingredients, with the sole exception of spices and flavourings. This represents a significant tightening of previous interpretations of origin labelling.

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Source article: Farmers Hot Line – US to enforce stricter “Product of USA” labelling for meat
18 December 2025

Brazil Becomes World’s Largest Beef Exporter with Record 2025 Shipments

18 December 2025 | Brazil 

Brazil has cemented its position as the world’s largest beef exporter, with shipments in the first 11 months of 2025 reaching a record 3.1 million tonnes, according to reporting by the Irish Farmers Journal. The figure already exceeds total exports for the whole of 2024 by nearly 243,000 tonnes, underlining the pace of growth in Brazil’s beef sector.

The surge in volumes has generated an estimated export value of $16.1 billion (€13.6 billion), reflecting Brazil’s expanding footprint across multiple global markets. China remains a cornerstone destination for Brazilian beef, while exports to the United States have risen by 22% year on year, despite periods of tariff-related uncertainty.

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Source article: Irish Farmers Journal – Global beef export report 

18th December 2025

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has outlined proposals to overhaul how meat hygiene inspection charges are applied. The new model is designed to provide targeted financial relief for smaller abattoirs. A public consultation is due to open in Spring 2026. This consultation will invite industry feedback before any changes are finalised.

Under the proposal, the smallest abattoirs, those processing up to 1,000 livestock units of red meat or 150,000 poultry birds per year, would qualify for a 90% discount on inspection charges. Medium-sized plants would receive support on a tapered scale. In contrast, large processors would no longer receive any discount. This marks a significant departure from the current system where all abattoirs benefit to some extent.

The FSA says the revised approach aims to deliver better value for taxpayers while recognising the critical role small abattoirs play in rural economies, local supply chains and the processing of rare breeds. By retargeting support, the agency believes a greater number of small operators would benefit from the highest level of assistance.

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Source article: National Pig Association – “FSA looks to target meat inspection cost support at smaller abattoirs”

16 December 2025

UK Beef Prices Buck Falling Food Inflation Trend

UK food inflation eased to 3.5% in November, but beef prices continue to rise, standing out against falling costs in other food categories. Tight cattle supplies and sustained demand are keeping upward pressure on beef pricing.

For buyers and processors, the figures suggest beef will remain a premium protein despite easing inflation elsewhere.

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Source article: Meat Management Magazine | 17 December 2025

Brazilian Meat Imports Return to Standard UK Controls

The UK government has lifted reinforced sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) controls on imports of beef, poultry meat and meat products from Brazil, following a successful audit of Brazil’s official control systems. The decision removes the requirement for enhanced pre-export and post-import salmonella testing that had been in place for Brazilian products entering the UK.

According to guidance published on Gov.uk, UK authorities concluded that Brazil’s control measures now meet the necessary standards, allowing trade to resume under standard import arrangements. The change is expected to ease administrative burdens for importers and improve supply chain efficiency for affected products.

The lifting of controls comes amid heightened scrutiny of international meat trade, particularly around food safety assurance and equivalence of standards. While the move is likely to support continuity of supply and pricing stability, industry stakeholders are expected to continue monitoring developments closely, given recent global debate around import standards and enforcement.

For UK buyers and wholesalers, the update signals a return to normalised trading conditions for Brazilian beef and poultry, potentially improving availability and reducing costs linked to additional testing requirements.

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Source: Gov.uk – Imports, exports and EU trade of animals and animal products | 17 December 2025

UK Meat Faces Affordability Squeeze as Prices Outpace Wages

UK consumers are increasingly feeling an affordability squeeze on meat, as retail prices continue to rise faster than household incomes, according to analysis published by ESM Magazine. While demand for meat remains resilient, higher prices are beginning to influence buying behaviour, pack sizes and product choices.

The report highlights that beef has been particularly affected, with tight domestic and global supply pushing prices higher at retail. Combined with ongoing cost pressures across the supply chain, this has reduced purchasing power for some shoppers, especially in lower-income households. As a result, consumers are trading down, switching cuts or reducing volumes rather than exiting the category entirely.

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Source article: ESM Magazine – “Is meat facing an affordability squeeze in the UK?”

16 December 2025

QMS Targets Early Year Demand with Scotch Meat Promotion

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has unveiled a new promotional drive aimed at boosting demand for Scotch Beef, Scotch Lamb and Specially Selected Pork at the start of the new year. The “Make It a Strong Start with Scotch” campaign is designed to capitalise on renewed consumer focus on health, nutrition and quality in January.

The campaign will run across digital, social and in-store channels, highlighting the nutritional benefits, provenance and sustainability credentials of Scotch assured red meat. QMS says the initiative is intended to reinforce consumer confidence while supporting farmers and processors following a challenging trading period.

According to QMS, the campaign messaging will emphasise high-quality protein, natural production standards and the importance of local supply chains. The move comes as shoppers increasingly scrutinise food choices around health, origin and value, particularly after the festive period.

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Source article: Quality Meat Scotland – “QMS announces ‘Make It a Strong Start with Scotch’ campaign”

16 December 2025