Southern Hemisphere Beef Exports to UK Increase as Supply Tightens

Beef exports from southern hemisphere suppliers to the UK have increased as domestic European cattle supplies tighten.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, Australia has been shipping between 1,500 and 2,000 tonnes of beef per month to the UK since May 2025, making it the third largest beef supplier to the British market.

Brazilian beef exports to the UK also showed strong performance in February 2026, reflecting growing international supply flows into the market.

Industry analysts say the rise in imports is partly linked to tightening beef production across Europe, as well as the effects of the UK Australia Free Trade Agreement, which has expanded access for Australian beef exporters.

The trend highlights how global supply chains are increasingly shaping the UK beef market as domestic cattle numbers decline.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 11 March 2026

FAO Meat Price Index Rises to 126.2 Points

Global meat prices continued to strengthen in early 2026, according to the latest data from the Food and Agriculture Organization.

The FAO meat price index reached 126.2 points in February 2026. This represents an increase of around 8% compared with the same period in 2025.

Lamb prices have reached historic highs. This is largely driven by reduced export volumes from Oceania, one of the world’s key lamb producing regions.

Beef markets have also been supported by strong import demand from both China and the United States. This adds further upward pressure on global prices.

Pork and poultry markets have remained comparatively stable. Strong supply from Brazil has helped to offset price increases in those sectors.

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Source: FAO / AgroReview | 11 March 2026

Brazil’s Frigol Targets 60% Increase in Beef Processing Capacity

Brazilian beef processor Frigol is planning a major expansion that could increase its annual slaughter capacity by around 60%.

According to reporting by Reuters, the company is pursuing agreements with local processors DistriBoi and RioBeef in the Brazilian state of Rondônia. If completed, the deals would lift Frigol’s annual cattle processing capacity from roughly 650,000 head. As a result, the capacity would rise to more than one million head.

The expansion is also expected to drive revenue growth. The company is projecting turnover of around 7 billion reais in 2026, compared with approximately 4.3 billion reais in 2025.

Frigol said the acquisitions are designed to secure export approved slaughter capacity for the Chinese market. They are also meant to support access to the United States.

The move reflects continued expansion in Brazil’s beef export sector as processors position themselves for growing global demand.

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Source: Reuters | 10 March 2026

New grants announced for food processing businesses in Scotland

The Scottish government has announced new funding support for the food and drink processing sector during the annual conference of Quality Meat Scotland.

Speaking in Edinburgh, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon confirmed the launch of a new Food and Drink Processing Scheme offering grants of up to £400,000 for businesses, provided they are matched by private investment.

The grants form part of a wider £9 million capital support package aimed at strengthening Scotland’s food production and processing capacity.

Gougeon also gave what she described as an unequivocal commitment that the Scottish government has “no policy to reduce livestock numbers,” amid wider debate over agricultural emissions and food production.

Scotland’s red meat sector currently supports around 40,000 jobs, contributes approximately £3.5 billion to the national economy and achieved record exports worth £164 million in 2025.

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Source: Scottish Government | 10 March 2026

Irish Beef Factory Quotes Fall Again as Processor Pressure Mounts

Irish beef factory quotes have dropped again this week as processors move to lower base prices across several cattle categories.

According to reporting by Irish Farmers Journal, factories have reduced quotes by around 10c per kilogram. Base prices for bullocks are now approximately €6.80/kg, while heifers are quoted at around €6.90/kg.

R-grading cows are reported to be trading between €6.50/kg and €6.60/kg, with some breed bonuses also coming under pressure.

Irish Farmers’ Association livestock chair Tim Cullinan said export demand for beef remains strong and is continuing to grow. However, cattle supplies are tight and are forecast to decline further this year by around 4%, equivalent to between 30,000 and 40,000 head.

The combination of tight supplies and softer factory quotes is expected to remain a key issue for Irish beef producers in the coming months.

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Source: Irish Farmers Journal | 9 March 2026

German Pig Prices Continue to Climb as Supply Tightens

Pig prices in Germany are continuing to rise as supply tightens across the European pork market.

According to reporting by EuroMeat News, the German pig price benchmark has increased again in recent weeks as slaughter numbers remain relatively constrained.

Industry analysts say tighter pig supplies across parts of Europe, combined with steady processor demand, are helping to support market values. The firm pricing environment in Germany is also influencing neighbouring EU markets, given the country’s role as one of Europe’s largest pork producers.

Market participants will be watching closely to see whether supply levels improve in the coming months or whether strong prices persist across the European pork sector.

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Source: EuroMeat News | 9 March 2026

UK livestock prices remain firm as supply stays tight

UK cattle and sheep markets remain firm as tight supply continues to support prices.

According to the latest weekly update from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board, prime cattle prices remain historically strong despite relatively subdued slaughter numbers. Limited availability of finished cattle is continuing to underpin market values.

In the sheep trade, lamb prices have also held firm with seasonal supply remaining relatively tight. Demand from processors and retailers has helped maintain strong levels across the market.

The update suggests that livestock availability will remain a key driver of price direction in the coming weeks, with kill numbers and seasonal supply patterns continuing to shape the outlook.

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Source: AHDB | 5 March 2026

Cattle and Sheep Prices Firm in Latest Weekly Market Update

Cattle and sheep prices remained firm in the latest weekly market update, reflecting continued supply tightness across the UK.

According to the AHDB weekly cattle and sheep market wrap, prime cattle prices held at elevated levels, supported by limited availability and steady processor demand. Deadweight cattle values continue to track above year earlier levels, while throughput remains relatively constrained.

In the sheep trade, finished lamb prices also stayed strong, underpinned by seasonal supply patterns and stable retail demand. Cull ewe values showed resilience, maintaining recent gains.

The latest figures suggest ongoing supply driven support across red meat markets, with availability and kill numbers likely to remain central to price direction in the weeks ahead.

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Source: AHDB | 25 February 2026

UK Pork Imports Fall to Lowest Level Since 2021

UK pig meat imports declined by 5% in 2025, reaching their lowest annual volume since 2021.

According to reporting from AHDB, the drop came despite a widening price gap between UK and EU pork. Resilient domestic demand and disruptions to shipments from Germany were cited as contributing factors. While imports softened, UK pork exports increased by 3% year on year.

The figures suggest stronger domestic supply retention and shifting trade flows within Europe. Ongoing EU market conditions and currency movements are likely to remain key influences on UK pork trade performance in 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 25 February 2026

Irish Beef Factory Quotes Remain Unchanged

Irish beef factory quotes remain largely unchanged this week, signalling continued short-term stability in the trade despite ongoing supply pressures.

According to reporting by Agriland, base quotes for steers are holding around €7.00/kg to €7.10/kg, with heifers generally starting from €7.10/kg to €7.20/kg. Cow prices also remain steady, depending on grade and specification.

The stability follows a period of tighter cattle supplies, with weekly kill numbers remaining subdued compared to previous years. While throughput is lower, processors appear to be maintaining quotes rather than pushing for further reductions.

Industry observers note that the balance between limited cattle availability and cautious retail demand is currently keeping the market relatively flat. Export performance and UK price comparisons will continue to influence pricing direction in the weeks ahead.

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Source: Agriland | 24 February 2026