Cyprus Culls Livestock After Disease Detection

Authorities in Cyprus have introduced quarantine measures and ordered culling operations following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease in the Larnaca district.

According to reporting by Cyprus Mail, veterinary services confirmed the detection of the disease, triggering immediate containment protocols. Movement restrictions have been imposed on affected farms, while animals within designated control zones are subject to testing and, where required, humane destruction.

Foot and mouth disease does not pose a risk to human health but spreads rapidly among cloven-hoofed animals, including cattle, sheep and pigs. Outbreaks can have severe economic consequences due to trade restrictions and livestock losses.

Officials are working to contain the situation through surveillance, biosecurity enforcement and tracing of potential animal movements. The scale of the outbreak and its impact on Cyprus’ livestock sector remain under assessment.

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Source: Cyprus Mail | 21 February 2026

Brazil Plans Company Level Beef Export Caps for China

Brazil is preparing to introduce individual export quotas for beef shipments to China, as authorities seek to manage trade flows under evolving tariff conditions.

According to reporting by IndexBox, the proposed system would allocate minimum annual export volumes of around 8,000 metric tonnes per approved company. The measure is designed to regulate shipment levels and prevent excessive volumes that could trigger higher tariff exposure.

The move follows adjustments to Chinese import tariff structures, which have created renewed sensitivity around quota thresholds. By distributing export allowances across processors, the Brazilian government aims to smooth supply throughout the year and reduce the risk of market disruption.

China remains Brazil’s largest beef customer, accounting for a substantial share of total exports. Managing access to this market has become increasingly strategic as both countries navigate quota-linked trade arrangements.

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Source: IndexBox | 19 February 2026

Brazil Races Towards China Beef Cap as Tariff Threat Looms

Brazil’s beef exports to China have accelerated sharply at the start of 2026. This raises the prospect of the annual quota being filled months ahead of schedule. That could trigger punitive tariffs on additional shipments.

According to reporting by the South China Morning Post, record export volumes in January have placed Brazil on track to reach its agreed annual cap with China as early as September. If exceeded, further exports could face a steep 55% tariff.

The risk of hitting the ceiling early has prompted concern within Brazil’s beef sector. Industry stakeholders warn that a sudden tariff trigger could disrupt trade flows and create domestic price instability. This risk is particularly high if exporters are forced to redirect product back into the home market.

In response, Brazilian authorities are reportedly assessing potential export management measures. These are designed to smooth shipment volumes across the year and avoid breaching the threshold prematurely.

China remains Brazil’s most important beef market, absorbing a significant share of total exports. Any disruption to this trade corridor would have implications not only for Brazilian processors but also for global beef pricing dynamics.

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Source: South China Morning Post | 18 February 2026

Senior Leadership Changes at ABP Across Key Markets

ABP has confirmed a senior management restructure affecting its operations in Ireland, the UK and Poland, with new appointments aimed at strengthening regional oversight. This ABP leadership reshuffle is expected to have an impact across all three countries.

According to reporting by Agriland, the company has appointed a new managing director for its Ireland and Poland divisions, while the outgoing Ireland MD, Mark Cahill, will transition into a senior UK leadership role.

The move reflects ABP’s ongoing strategic alignment across its key European markets. Ireland and Poland represent critical processing bases within the group’s wider beef and lamb operations, while the UK remains one of ABP’s largest end markets.

The leadership change comes at a time of tightening cattle supplies across Ireland and Britain, alongside increasing operational pressures linked to labour, costs and shifting retail demand. Consolidating experience across regions may support closer integration between supply chains and customer channels.

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Source: Agriland | 16 February 2026

US Lean Beef Trimmings Climb Sharply Amid China Buying

US lean beef prices have surged in early 2026, supported by tighter domestic supply and sustained Chinese demand.

According to reporting by S&P Global, lean beef trimmings have risen 21.8% year-on-year to $8,135 per metric tonne. The rally reflects constrained availability of cow and bull slaughter animals, the primary source of lean manufacturing beef.

Year-to-date slaughter of cows and bulls is reported to be down 5.9% compared with the same period in 2025. This is limiting supply into the grinding and processing market. Lean trimmings are a critical input for ground beef production and export trade.

China remains a key buyer of US lean beef, adding additional demand pressure at a time when US cattle numbers remain historically low. Elevated prices are feeding into broader global beef trade dynamics. This is particularly relevant as other major exporting nations also manage tight livestock supplies.

The continued strength in lean beef values underscores the sensitivity of manufacturing beef markets to both slaughter trends and export demand flows.

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Source: S&P Global | 17 February 2026

Irish Lamb Trade Flat as Spanish Prices Push Towards €11/kg

Irish lamb prices remain static this week, with factory quotes holding around €7.50/kg, while Spanish and French markets continue to trade at significantly higher levels.

According to reporting by Agriland, the average Irish lamb price year-to-date stands at €7.52/kg, representing a 14.3% decline compared with the same period in 2025. In contrast, Spanish lamb prices are approaching €10.80/kg, with France also trading strongly at approximately €9.73/kg.

The widening price differential has intensified frustration among Irish sheep producers, particularly as EU markets maintain firmer demand profiles. Processors in Ireland are reportedly cautious, citing challenging retail and export conditions.

Producers are now looking ahead to Ramadan as a potential support for lamb demand, traditionally a period of increased consumption across key markets. However, current price stagnation suggests supply and demand remain delicately balanced.

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Source: Agriland | 16 February 2026

Irish Cattle Slaughter Running 5,000 Head Per Week Behind 2025

Irish beef kill numbers are currently running more than 5,000 head per week below the same period last year, adding further strain to an already pressured processing sector.

According to reporting by Agriland, weekly factory throughput has consistently trailed 2025 levels, reflecting tighter cattle availability across the country. The sustained shortfall is raising fresh concerns over plant utilisation rates and long-term processing capacity.

Lower supplies have already contributed to restructuring announcements within parts of the sector in recent weeks. While reduced throughput can help underpin farmgate prices in the short term, it also places pressure on processors facing high fixed operating costs.

Industry commentary suggests that the decline in available finished cattle reflects broader structural trends, including herd contraction and lower presentation rates. The reduced weekly kill is seen as significant enough to threaten efficiency across larger facilities that rely on steady volume to remain competitive.

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Source: Agriland | 15 February 2026

Australian Livestock Markets Steady as Slaughter Levels Adjust

Australian cattle and sheep markets showed mixed movements in the latest reporting week, with prices stabilising while overall slaughter volumes adjusted following recent volatility. These developments highlight trends seen in the Australian cattle and sheep market.

According to the latest weekly update from Meat & Livestock Australia, cattle indicators were largely steady, supported by consistent restocker demand and stable processor activity across key regions. Restockers in the Australian cattle and sheep market remain active in many regions.

Cattle throughput eased week-on-week but remains elevated compared with earlier seasonal averages. Eastern states continue to drive national slaughter volumes, although weather conditions and pasture availability are influencing yardings in some areas. This is significant for the broader Australian cattle and sheep market, as regional differences persist.

In the sheep sector, lamb prices displayed resilience, while mutton values softened amid higher supply. Slaughter levels for lamb remain strong compared with recent years, reflecting ongoing flock adjustments and market opportunities in export channels.

Currency movements and export demand trends continue to shape pricing signals for producers, with analysts watching global trade flows closely as 2026 progresses.

Overall, the Australian cattle and sheep market remains an important driver of livestock pricing and export performance.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | Weekly Market Wrap | 13 Feb 2026

Australian Cattle Throughput Hits Highest Weekly Level Since 2019

Latest updates show that Australia cattle slaughter rates have reached their highest weekly total since 2019. This signals sustained processing activity despite recent weather disruptions.

According to reporting from Meat & Livestock Australia, national cattle throughput climbed to a multi-year high. Processors maintained strong operating levels during this period.

The elevated kill reflects ongoing herd liquidation and firm processor demand, particularly across eastern states. Additionally, analysts note that despite flooding and heat events in some regions, processing capacity remains robust. Cattle availability has supported higher weekly volumes.

Year-on-year comparisons indicate slaughter levels remain above recent averages, underscoring the scale of herd adjustment underway in parts of Australia. Industry observers suggest throughput levels will be closely monitored in the coming months as seasonal conditions influence supply flows.

The record weekly processing total highlights the resilience of Australia’s export-focused beef sector. This is evident even amid fluctuating climatic conditions and shifting global demand patterns.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia

ABP Opens Redundancy Talks with 230 Staff at Waterford Site

ABP has begun a formal redundancy consultation with around 230 employees at its cutting and deboning facility in Waterford, citing tightening livestock supplies and rising operational costs.

According to reporting by Agriland, the consultation relates to the company’s beef processing operations, where reduced cattle throughput is placing sustained pressure on margins.

The move follows a broader pattern of restructuring across parts of the Irish processing sector, as cattle numbers remain subdued and competition for finished stock intensifies. Lower availability of livestock has forced some processors to reassess plant capacity and operational efficiency.

ABP stated that the consultation process is ongoing and that it will engage with employee representatives as part of the review. The development highlights continued volatility within the Irish beef processing landscape as supply constraints reshape factory operations.

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Source: Agriland | 12 February 2026