01323 873645

UK Slaughter Numbers Fall for Cattle and Sheep

Latest UK slaughter statistics for November 2025 show a continued year-on-year decline in cattle and sheep throughput, according to official figures released by Defra. Prime cattle slaughterings fell by 4.5%, while clean sheep numbers dropped by 13%, underlining tightening livestock availability across key red meat categories.

As a result, beef and veal production declined by 2.2%, while mutton and lamb output fell sharply by 12% compared with the same period last year. The figures reflect ongoing supply constraints and are consistent with wider market commentary pointing to tighter cattle and sheep numbers entering winter.

By contrast, the pig sector showed greater resilience. Clean pig slaughterings were down just 1.4%, while pigmeat production increased by 1.2%, suggesting improved carcase weights or processing efficiency offsetting lower numbers.

For processors, wholesalers and buyers, the data reinforces expectations of continued firmness in beef and lamb supply, while pigmeat availability appears more stable. The figures also add further context to recent price movements across UK livestock markets.

Source: Gov.uk (Defra) – UK Slaughter Statistics, 11 November 2025
(Official UK government statistics)

Irish Beef Processors Cut Quotes as Christmas Price Hopes Fade

Irish beef processors have cut factory quotes by 10–20c/kg, ending hopes of a pre-Christmas price rally for finishers. The cuts come despite lower cattle throughput, with limited competition between factories blamed for the weaker prices.

The IFA has accused processors of gamesmanship and failing to reflect strong export demand in farmgate prices, warning that the move will further strain producer confidence heading into 2026.

Source article:
Irish Examiner – “Irish beef processors slash quotes as Christmas hopes fade” | 10 December 2025

EU Pork Market Faces Turmoil as Prices Fall and African Swine Fever Looms

The European Union’s pork market is facing a period of significant uncertainty, with falling prices and the recent detection of African Swine Fever (ASF) in Spain creating a challenging environment for producers.
EU grade S reference pig prices have been on a downward trend since June, reaching their lowest level since March 2022. This decline is putting pressure on producers across the bloc, and the situation is being exacerbated by the widening price gap between the UK and the EU, which could make EU pork more attractive to UK buyers.
The discovery of ASF in wild boar in Spain, the EU’s largest pork producer and exporter, is a major cause for concern. While regionalisation agreements are in place for some key export markets, the outbreak is expected to lead to a significant redirection of Spanish pork into the domestic EU market. This influx of heavily discounted pork is likely to further depress prices and create a glut in the market, adding to the woes of already struggling producers.
The combination of falling prices and the ASF outbreak is creating a perfect storm for the EU pork industry. The market is already grappling with increased production and weaker demand, and the latest developments will only add to the pressure. The coming months will be a critical period for the industry as it navigates these challenges and seeks to restore stability to the market.

 

Source article:  AHDB – “Prices down, trade stable but ASF set to test market stability – EU pork market update”
10 December 2025

£750,000 of British Meat Seized by French Authorities

A significant consignment of British meat, valued at approximately £750,000, has been seized by French authorities, highlighting the ongoing trade challenges faced by UK meat exporters.
The seizure involved several lorries that were transporting the meat into the European Union.
This incident underscores the persistent friction and regulatory hurdles that have emerged in the post-Brexit trading environment.
For the UK meat industry, which relies heavily on exports to the EU, such disruptions can have a significant financial impact and create uncertainty for businesses.
The seizure serves as a stark reminder of the complexities of the current trade relationship and the need for clear and consistent customs procedures.
UK meat exporters will be seeking clarity on the reasons for the seizure and working to ensure that such incidents are avoided in the future to maintain the smooth flow of trade.

 

Source: This story was originally reported by Farmers Guide. 
Published: 10 December 2025

Australian Beef Exports Reach Record High

Australian beef exports have reached a record high in 2025, with shipments already exceeding previous annual benchmarks and on track to surpass 1.5 million tonnes, according to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). With weeks still remaining in the year, the result marks one of the strongest export performances in the country’s red meat history.

The surge has been driven by robust demand across multiple key markets. The United States remains Australia’s largest beef destination, with exports up 17% year to date, while China has increased purchases by 44%, consolidating its position as the second-largest market. Japan is expected to exceed 250,000 tonnes for the first time in five years, while South Korea has passed 200,000 tonnes. Exports to Canada are also on track to break new ground, forecast to exceed 50,000 tonnes for the first time.

Source: Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA)
Date: 10 December 2025

Spain Probes Possible Lab Link as ASF Outbreak Shakes Europe’s Top Pork Exporter

Spanish authorities are investigating whether a recent African swine fever (ASF) outbreak detected in wild boar near Barcelona may be linked to a research laboratory, after genetic analysis revealed an unusual virus profile. Since 28 November, 13 ASF cases have been confirmed in wild boar across Catalonia, marking Spain’s most serious ASF incident in decades.

Preliminary testing indicates the virus strain does not match ASF variants currently circulating elsewhere in the EU. Instead, it shows similarities to the strain first identified in Georgia in 2007, raising questions about how the virus entered the region. Officials stress that investigations are ongoing and no conclusions have yet been reached.

Source: AgTech Navigator

Date: 9 December 2025

Meat Industry News Analysis: UK, Ireland, and Global Markets

Date: 8 December 2025

Here’s a brief overview of the key stories shaping the meat industry this week, with links to the original sources for more detailed information.

UK Headlines

UK Pork Trade Adjusts in Q3 Data from the AHDB shows that UK pork exports dipped in the third quarter, with September volumes hitting a low for the year. Despite this, year-to-date exports remain slightly up, while import levels have been stable but are down 4% for the year so far. .
Spain Pork Ban Eased After ASF Outbreak The UK has lifted its blanket ban on Spanish pork, moving to a regionalised approach that allows imports from areas free of African Swine Fever (ASF). The decision aligns the UK with EU policy, though restrictions remain for the affected Barcelona region. .
Beef Inflation Slows as Consumers Adapt While UK beef prices remain high, the rate of inflation is showing signs of slowing down. Shoppers are adapting to the new prices by shifting towards more budget-friendly options like diced and stewing beef, which has helped stabilise overall purchase volumes. .

Ireland & NI Headlines

Irish Prime Beef Production Forecast to Fall Teagasc has forecast a 4% decrease in Ireland’s prime beef production for 2026, citing significantly lower numbers of young cattle in the system. This tighter supply is expected to support an increase in finished cattle prices next year. .
Falling Livestock Numbers Squeeze Irish Processors Irish meat factories are facing a significant drop in supply, with estimates suggesting over 200,000 fewer cattle and 500,000 fewer sheep will be processed in 2025. This decline is creating surplus capacity and raising concerns about the long-term viability of some processing facilities. .
Bluetongue Case Confirmed in Northern Ireland A confirmed case of Bluetongue virus (BTV-3) in a County Down herd has prompted immediate trade restrictions and market access concerns. A 20km Temporary Control Zone is in place as industry bodies work to manage the situation and support affected producers. .

Global Headlines

Record Low Cattle Numbers Drive US Beef Prices Higher The United States is experiencing soaring beef prices, largely driven by the smallest national cattle herd recorded since 1951. Severe drought and high input costs for ranchers have constrained supply, leading to a 14.7% year-on-year price increase for beef and veal. .
US Expands Market Access for Chilean Beef In a move that strengthens trade ties, the USDA has expanded its import authorisation for raw beef products from Chile. Chilean exporters are now permitted to ship beef trimmings to the US, a product primarily used in processed foods. .
Global Meat Prices Dip in November, Reports FAO The FAO’s Meat Price Index registered a slight decrease in November, led by lower international prices for poultry and pig meat due to abundant global supplies. In contrast, prices for beef and sheep meat remained firm on the global market. .

US Opens Market to More Chilean Beef Products

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has expanded its import authorisation for raw beef products from Chile, a move that signals growing confidence in the South American country’s animal health standards.

The updated policy will now allow the import of Chilean beef trimmings, which are widely used in the manufacturing of processed meat products such as hamburgers.

This decision provides US food manufacturers with an alternative source of supply and is expected to strengthen trade ties between the two nations. The inclusion of beef trimmings in the list of approved products is a testament to the rigorous safety and quality controls implemented by the Chilean Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG).
The development is a positive one for the Chilean meat industry, providing it with greater access to one of the world’s most valuable consumer markets. It also underscores the importance of robust animal health and food safety systems in facilitating international trade.
Source: Euromeatnews
Published: 8 December 2025

US Beef Prices Soaring Due to Record-Low Cattle Supply

Beef prices in the United States continue to rise sharply as the country faces its smallest national cattle herd since 1951, according to industry analysis reported by CNBC. Official figures show US beef and veal prices are up 14.7% year on year, significantly outpacing the 3.1% increase in overall food prices, highlighting the scale of the supply imbalance.

The primary driver remains prolonged drought across key cattle-producing regions, which has discouraged ranchers from retaining animals for breeding. Instead, cattle numbers have been reduced to manage feed availability and cash flow. At the same time, input costs for US ranchers have risen by more than 50% over the past five years, adding further pressure to already stretched margins.

Global factors are also contributing to higher prices. Tariff-related trade issues involving Brazil, alongside parasitic cattle infections in Mexico, have disrupted cross-border supply flows and tightened availability. Analysts warn that even with improved weather conditions, rebuilding the US cattle herd is likely to take at least three years, meaning price pressure could persist well into the medium term.

 

Source: CNBC – “Beef prices are soaring. Here’s why that’s hard to fix”

Date: 07/12/2025

US Beef Prices Climb as Cattle Numbers Hit Record Low

Consumers in the United States are feeling the pinch at the meat counter as beef prices continue to surge, driven by the smallest national cattle herd since 1951.

The latest data reveals a 14.7% increase in the price of beef and veal over the past year, a figure that far outpaces the overall food inflation rate.

The primary cause of the price hike is a significant contraction in the US cattle herd, which has been exacerbated by several years of severe drought in key ranching states. These dry conditions have increased feed costs and discouraged producers from retaining female cattle for breeding, leading to a tighter supply of animals entering the market.
Adding to the pressure are high input costs for farmers and ranchers, which have risen by more than 50% over the last five years. While the US has been producing larger cattle, the overall reduction in herd size is the dominant factor influencing prices. The situation highlights the long and complex cycle of beef production and its vulnerability to environmental and economic pressures.
Source: CNBC
Published: 7 December 2025  Original story
Whatsapp Help