UK Cattle and Sheep Prices Stabilise as Slaughter Numbers Remain Low

July 10, 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The latest market update from AHDB shows signs of stability in both cattle and sheep prices for the week ending 28 June 2025, following weeks of volatility earlier in the year.

Cattle Market Overview

• The GB all-prime average deadweight cattle price eased slightly by 1p to 631p/kg, still 155p higher than the same week in 2024.
• Cow prices followed a similar trend, down just over 1p to 501p/kg.
• Slaughter volumes remained below year-ago levels, with cow slaughter at just 7,200 head—the lowest for that week in over a decade.

Sheep Market Overview

• The GB deadweight new season lamb (NSL) SQQ averaged 748p/kg, down just 1p from the previous week.
• This represents a much smaller seasonal decline than usual—just 5p over six weeks, compared to the five-year average drop of 80p.
• Liveweight NSL SQQ in England and Wales averaged 350p/kg, down 8p on the week but 15p higher year-on-year.
• Clean sheep slaughter was estimated at 165,400 head, continuing to trend below 2024 levels.

These figures suggest a more stable pricing environment in 2025, contrasting with the sharper fluctuations seen in 2024.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

 

Australian Cattle and Sheep Markets Surge as Prices Hit New Highs – July 2025

The Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rise in early July 2025, with several key price indicators reaching record highs. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), strong processor demand and tightening supply are driving the surge across both sectors.

Cattle Market Highlights

The Australian cattle market posted significant gains across multiple categories:

• The Feeder Steer Indicator rose by 20 cents to 417¢/kg liveweight, surpassing the Restocker Steer Indicator by 17 cents.
• Heavy Steer prices increased by 23 cents to 373¢/kg liveweight, supported by limited supply and strong processor interest.
• Queensland recorded the largest price increase at 29 cents, while New South Wales saw a more modest rise of 6 cents.
• National cattle slaughter reached 158,922 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019, with Queensland leading the surge.

Sheep Market Highlights

The Australian sheep market also saw strong upward momentum:

• All lamb indicators reached record highs, with the Heavy Lamb Indicator jumping 68 cents to 1,099¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator rose by 48 cents to 1,072¢/kg carcase weight.
• The Merino Lamb Indicator increased by 73 cents to 936¢/kg carcase weight, with trade weights fetching up to $232 per head at Dubbo.
• Sheep and lamb yardings fell by over 19,000 head, and slaughter numbers dropped by nearly 92,000 due to processor maintenance shutdowns.

Market Outlook

Despite seasonal tightening in supply, strong demand from both restockers and processors continues to fuel competition and price growth. The Australian cattle and sheep markets are expected to remain firm in the short term, supported by favourable export conditions and limited global supply

Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

Australian Beef Exports Hit Record Highs Yet Again – July 2025

Published: 4 July 2025 | Meatex News Desk

The Australian beef export market has once again reached record levels, according to the latest data from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). In July 2025, Australia exported 150,435 tonnes of beef, marking a 12 per cent increase on June’s previous high and a 16 per cent rise compared to July 2024

Key Drivers of Export Growth

This is the fourth time in a year that Australia has broken monthly beef export records. Several factors are contributing to this sustained growth:

• High slaughter volumes: Weekly cattle slaughter has consistently exceeded 150,000 head since April.
• Heavier carcase weights: Average adult cattle carcase weights reached 313kg in Q1 2025.
• Global supply constraints: Declines in beef exports from Argentina, the United States, New Zealand, and Canada have opened up market share for Australia.
• Strong demand: Key markets such as China, Japan, South Korea, and the United States continue to show robust demand for chilled and frozen Australian beef.

Competitive Advantage

Australia’s ability to supply consistent, long shelf-life beef products has strengthened its position in global markets. The country’s export performance is being further supported by tight supply conditions among competitors and favourable seasonal processing conditions.

Market Outlook

Looking ahead, analysts are watching for potential shifts in Brazil’s cattle cycle, which could affect global supply dynamics. Seasonal conditions in Australia will also play a role in determining whether record export volumes can be sustained into the final quarter of 2025.

Original reporting by Meat & Livestock Australia 

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Lamb Prices Rise, Cattle Prices Ease

The UK cattle and sheep market showed mixed trends during the week ending 21 June 2025, according to the latest data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB). Lamb prices increased, while cattle prices softened across most categories

Cattle Market Overview

Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all classifications. The all-prime average stood at 633p/kg, which remains 157p/kg higher than the same week in 2024 and 202p/kg above the five-year average.

• Heifer prices recorded the largest drop, down 9p/kg.
• Steer and young bull prices declined by 8p/kg and 5p/kg respectively.
• Cull cow prices fell by 7p/kg to 503p/kg.
• Prime cattle slaughter dropped to 31,700 head, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head, a 3.2 per cent decline compared to 2024.
• Store cattle prices rose, with native steers (12–18 months) averaging £1,335.70 per head and native heifers £1,129 per head.

Sheep Market Overview

The sheep market saw a rebound in lamb prices and slaughter volumes.

• The NSL SQQ lamb price rose by 25p/kg to 749p/kg.
• Clean sheep slaughter increased to 182,400 head, recovering after a dip during the Qurbani period.
• Year-to-date slaughter reached 5.2 million head, up 3.8 per cent year-on-year.
• New season lambs now account for 79 per cent of finished live market throughput, signalling the end of carryover supply.

Market Outlook

The UK cattle and sheep market continues to reflect seasonal shifts and supply dynamics. While cattle prices have eased slightly, lamb prices are strengthening due to tightening supply and increased throughput of new season lambs.

Original data sourced from AHDB 

Australian Cattle and Sheep Market: Prices Hold Steady Amid Strong Slaughter Volumes

The Australian cattle and sheep market remained active during the week ending 27 June 2025. According to the latest report from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), cattle prices held steady while lamb prices eased slightly. The market was shaped by strong processing demand, seasonal changes in livestock quality, and record slaughter volumes.

Cattle Market Performance

The Australian cattle market showed resilience, with prices supported by firm demand across key categories.

• The Restocker Steer Indicator rose by 11 cents to 391 cents per kilogram liveweight.
• The Restocker Heifer Indicator fell by 9 cents to 312 cents per kilogram liveweight.
• The Processor Cow Indicator increased by 9 cents to 291 cents per kilogram liveweight, with prices reaching 360 cents per kilogram at Dubbo.
• National cattle slaughter reached 153,442 head, the highest weekly total since December 2019. Victoria and New South Wales recorded significant increases.

Sheep and Lamb Market Trends

The Australian sheep market experienced softer pricing, particularly for lambs, due to declining quality and selective buying.

• The Heavy Lamb Indicator dropped by 32 cents to 1,028 cents per kilogram carcase weight.
• The Trade Lamb Indicator also declined, reflecting reduced demand for midweight lambs.
• The Mutton Indicator fell by 28 cents to 644 cents per kilogram carcase weight, with quality issues affecting prices at major saleyards.
• Lamb slaughter rose to 445,799 head, while sheep slaughter declined to 159,701 head. This represents an 8 per cent year-on-year decrease in sheep slaughter.

Market Outlook

The Australian cattle and sheep market continues to balance strong processor demand with seasonal shifts in supply and quality. While cattle prices remain stable, lamb and mutton values are under pressure due to variable quality and buyer caution.

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Original data sourced from Meat & Livestock Australia 

UK Cattle and Sheep Market Update – Week Ending 21 June 2025

The UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 update from AHDB shows mixed results. Cattle prices weakened, while sheep values edged higher on tighter supplies.

Cattle Market Overview

Prime cattle deadweight prices fell across all categories. The all-prime average reached 633p/kg, which was 157p above 2024 and 202p above the five-year average.

The heifer category recorded the sharpest drop, losing 9p/kg. Steers and young bulls fell by 8p/kg and 5p/kg, respectively. Cull cow prices also eased, down 7p/kg to 503p/kg.

Slaughter numbers decreased. Prime cattle kill fell by 2,000 head to 31,700, bringing the year-to-date total to 807,200 head—a 3.2% decline year-on-year.

In contrast, store cattle values edged higher. Native steers (12–18 months) averaged £1,335.70/head, while native heifers reached £1,129/head.

Sheep Market Overview

The NSL SQQ lamb price climbed 25p/kg to 749p/kg. Clean sheep slaughter rose to 182,400 head, rebounding after lower numbers during the Qurbani period.

Year-to-date throughput now totals 5.2 million head, an increase of 3.8% compared with 2024. Importantly, new season lambs accounted for 79% of finished live market throughput, confirming the near end of carryover supplies.

Market Outlook

Overall, the UK cattle and sheep market June 2025 reflects seasonal adjustments. Cattle values softened as supplies remained steady, while lamb prices gained ground. Export demand, weather patterns, and upcoming festival-driven consumption are expected to shape the market in the weeks ahead.

Original data sourced from AHDB.

Australian Sheep Meat Industry Booms with Record Prices and Export Growth

The Australian sheep meat industry June 2025 is enjoying record highs. Prices and exports are surging, marking a sharp recovery from the oversupply crisis of 2023.

Strong Export Growth

In the first five months of 2025, exports of Australian sheep meat jumped by 40% year-on-year. According to Reuters, this growth reflects tight global supplies and rising demand, especially from the United States and China.

Improved weather and stronger pasture availability have also supported the rebound. Farmers are rebuilding herds strategically after a difficult 2023, when oversupply drove prices to unsustainable lows.

Record Prices

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) confirmed that lamb prices have reached unprecedented levels, with average export values climbing steadily. The U.S. has now become the top buyer of Australian lamb. At the same time, China remains the primary market for mutton, underlining the importance of diversified export channels.

Industry Outlook

Industry analysts believe this positive momentum could last through the second half of 2025. However, the outlook depends on continued strong demand and Australia’s ability to maintain its competitive edge in both quality and supply chain efficiency.

For many farmers and exporters, this resurgence brings welcome relief. Just two years ago, the sector faced heavy financial pressure from oversupply and weak global demand.

Sector Resilience

Overall, the Australian sheep meat industry June 2025 update demonstrates resilience in the red meat sector. With exports rising and prices hitting records, Australia has reinforced its role as a leading global supplier of lamb and mutton.

Original reporting by Reuters. 

Australian Lamb Market Records & Cattle Update – Mid-2025

The Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update highlights soaring lamb prices and steady cattle performance. Notably, lamb prices broke records while cattle markets remained stable.

Cattle Market Overview

Cattle yardings dropped 24% to 56,797 head, largely due to recent rains and a long weekend. In contrast, the Heavy Steer Indicator rose 6¢ to 361¢/kg liveweight (lwt). Notably, Victoria recorded 408¢/kg lwt, the highest in the state.

Meanwhile, restocker heifers weakened, falling 11¢ to 319¢/kg lwt as demand softened.

Sheep Market Highlights

Lamb yardings declined 38% to 132,105 head, with sheep yardings also down 42% to 59,637 head. However, market strength surged despite reduced supply.

The Trade Lamb Indicator rose to a record 1,050¢/kg carcass weight (cwt), now outpacing the heavy lamb figure of 1,042¢/kg cwt. Light lambs climbed to 928¢/kg cwt.

Major markets like Wagga saw standout sales. A pen of crossbred lambs (sub-40 kg) fetched A$424/head, while Yass marked the arrival of new-season lamb.

Slaughter Statistics

National cattle slaughter held firm at 152,530 head, despite shorter processing weeks. New South Wales helped, with an 8% rise offsetting weaker output in Western Australia. Overall slaughter remains 10% above 2024.

Sheep and lamb slaughter edged higher too. Lamb numbers totaled 461,658 head, while sheep reached 177,918. Combined, these figures amounted to 639,576 head, barely lower than the previous week.

Market Summary

Overall, the Australian livestock markets mid-2025 update reveals a market in transition. Lamb prices continue to break records, driven by tight supply and strong demand. Meanwhile, cattle markets remain resilient. Exports and domestic dynamics will likely steer the next phase of this trend.

Original source: MLA

Lamb Prices Hit Record Highs in Australia – June 2025

The lamb prices June 2025 update reveals a record-breaking market. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), national lamb indicators have surged to unprecedented highs, even as winter supply remains tight.

Key Price Movements

All major lamb categories moved upwards in June:

• Light Lambs: 924¢/kg carcase weight (cwt)

• Trade Lambs: 1,049¢/kg cwt

• Heavy Lambs: 1,041¢/kg cwt

Notably, trade lamb prices overtook heavy lamb values for the first time. This reversal highlights a shift in buying behaviour, with strong interest in mid-weight animals.

Market Drivers

The seasonal winter lull in lamb supply has provided firm support to prices. In addition, demand from both domestic retailers and export markets such as the United States remains strong. Increased competition for limited mid-weight lambs has added further upward pressure on prices.

At the same time, weekly slaughter volumes stayed high, averaging around 471,000 head. However, upcoming processor closures over winter could slow the pace and tighten availability even further.

Outlook for Lamb Prices

Looking ahead, market conditions suggest that the lamb prices June 2025 highs are likely to persist in the short term. Prices may remain elevated until new-season lambs arrive in spring, which could help ease supply constraints.

Overall, the Australian lamb market update shows both opportunity and risk. Export demand is strong, but limited supplies and processing challenges could keep pressure on prices through the coming months.

Aussie Beef Processing June 2025 Update: Mutton Prices Surge

Australia – 6 June 2025. The Aussie beef processing June 2025 update highlights strong cattle throughput and soaring mutton prices. According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), the sector is showing resilience despite seasonal pressures and ongoing supply challenges.

Cattle Market Overview

Cattle yardings rose 8,345 head, bringing the total to 72,045 for the week ending 6 June. This increase reflects stronger movement of processor cows, restocker heifers, and feeder steers. In addition, the Heavy Steer Indicator improved slightly, climbing 6¢ to 361¢/kg liveweight (lwt).

Queensland and New South Wales both reported steady volumes, with Victoria recording a notable 408¢/kg lwt. Meanwhile, restocker heifers eased by 11¢ to 319¢/kg lwt, showing mixed demand trends.

Mutton Market Highlights

In contrast to cattle, mutton values rose sharply. Prices hit their highest levels since 2022, supported by strong global and domestic demand. Tighter sheep supplies added momentum, pushing the mutton trade higher week on week.

Slaughter Volumes

Beef processing reached one of its strongest levels this year. National cattle slaughter totalled 152,530 head, maintaining robust output. Despite a shorter week due to public holidays, volumes remained firm and were 10% higher than the same week in 2024.

Sheep and lamb slaughter also increased. Lamb numbers climbed to 461,658 head, while sheep throughput reached 177,918, bringing the combined total to 639,576 head. Although only slightly lower than the week before, this remains a solid level for winter.

Outlook

Overall, the Aussie beef processing June 2025 update reveals a dynamic red meat sector. Beef supplies are steady, while mutton prices are soaring on tighter availability. Looking ahead, processor capacity and seasonal conditions will play a major role in shaping both cattle and sheep markets through the rest of winter.

Original source: MLA