UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Momentum

The latest weekly cattle and sheep market wrap highlights a mixed picture across UK livestock markets. Cattle prices are broadly steady, lamb values remain under pressure due to higher throughput and variable demand.

According to Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), prime cattle trade continues to be supported by tight supplies and firm processor demand. However, price movements remain cautious as abattoirs manage throughput and margin pressure.

In the sheep sector, lamb prices softened in several regions, reflecting increased numbers coming forward and more selective buyer behaviour. Despite this, AHDB notes that underlying fundamentals remain supportive, particularly given ongoing below-average lamb slaughter levels year-on-year.

Cull cow prices held relatively firm, underpinned by limited availability and sustained interest from processors. Meanwhile, store and breeding sheep demand varied depending on quality and regional conditions.

On the processing side, slaughter data continues to point to reduced sheep throughput compared with last year. However, cattle slaughter remains elevated in some regions as processors catch up following earlier disruptions.

AHDB said weather conditions, seasonal supply patterns, and processor capacity adjustments will continue to influence short-term price direction. Market volatility is expected to persist into the coming weeks.

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Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap | 30 January 2026

AHDB Sees Strong Export Potential in MENA Markets

Export prospects for UK sheep meat and dairy into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are strengthening. This growth is driven by population growth, rising incomes and limited domestic food production capacity.

According to new analysis from the AHDB, the MENA region is forecast to become the second largest net food importing region globally by 2034.

AHDB highlighted particular potential for UK lamb, where demand is expected to grow for high-quality, premium cuts. This increase is supported by cultural preferences and expanding foodservice sectors. Dairy demand is also forecast to rise. Regional production struggles to keep pace with consumption due to water scarcity and climate constraints.

The organisation is actively supporting UK exporters at Gulfood Dubai, one of the world’s largest food trade exhibitions, helping businesses connect with buyers across the Gulf, North Africa and wider Middle East. AHDB said British provenance, traceability and welfare standards remain key selling points in the region’s premium segments.

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Source: AHDB | 28 January 2026

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Show Mixed Trends This Week

UK cattle and sheep markets delivered a mixed performance this week, with cattle prices generally steady to slightly firmer, while lamb values showed variation depending on quality and region.

According to the latest update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), prime cattle prices remained well supported, underpinned by tight availability and continued processor demand. Slaughter numbers remain historically low, reinforcing underlying market firmness despite ongoing cost pressures further along the supply chain.

Cull cow prices were largely stable, with demand holding up across most regions as processors seek to maintain throughput levels amid constrained supply.

Sheep market

In the sheep sector, lamb prices showed mixed movements, with stronger returns for well-finished and heavier-weight lambs, while plainer types came under pressure. AHDB noted that buyer demand remains selective, reflecting cautious retail and wholesale conditions.

Mutton prices eased slightly in some areas, although overall throughput remains limited following significant destocking earlier in the season.

Slaughter and supply

AHDB data continues to highlight structural tightness in UK red meat supply, particularly in beef. While slaughter levels have stabilised compared with late 2025, they remain well below historical norms, supporting price levels into early 2026.

Market analysts say near-term price direction will remain closely tied to availability rather than demand growth, with limited signs of any material increase in livestock numbers.

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Source: AHDB | 23 January 2026

EU Pork Prices Plunge as Rising Production Weighs on Market

EU pork prices have fallen to their lowest level since March 2022, as rising production and market disruption combine to place heavy downward pressure on values across the bloc.

According to the latest market update from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), the EU grade S reference price dropped to 132.68p/kg in the week ending 11 January 2026. The decline has been particularly sharp in Spain, where an African swine fever (ASF) outbreak has accelerated market weakness, with prices falling 37.73p/kg in just six weeks.

EU pig meat production continues to expand, totalling 18.2 million tonnes between January and October, up 4% year on year. The increase in supply has outpaced demand growth, intensifying competition within the single market and dragging prices lower.

The downturn has also widened the UK–EU pork price gap to 65.46p/kg, the largest differential in more than a decade, highlighting the contrasting supply dynamics between the UK and continental Europe.

AHDB said the situation underlines the ongoing vulnerability of the EU pork sector to disease events, production cycles and export pressure, with price volatility likely to persist into 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 22 January 2026

AHDB Expands Export Team to Support Red Meat Trade in Asia and Africa

Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has strengthened its international capability with the appointment of Henry Glover as Senior Trade Development Manager, boosting support for British red meat exports across Asia and Africa.

AHDB said Glover brings more than six years’ experience in the red meat processing sector, adding practical commercial insight to its export development work. His role will focus on helping exporters identify opportunities, navigate market access challenges and build long-term demand in high-growth regions.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB’s International Trade Development Director, said the appointment underlines the organisation’s commitment to maximising global opportunities for British red meat, particularly as exporters look beyond traditional European markets.

The move reflects AHDB’s wider strategy to support market diversification, at a time when global demand patterns, trade policy and disease status continue to reshape international protein flows.

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Source: AHDB | 21 January 2026

Supply Constraints Underpin Livestock Prices

UK cattle and sheep markets remained well supported over the past week, with tight livestock availability continuing to underpin prices, according to the latest market wrap from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Prime cattle prices held firm, supported by restricted numbers and steady buyer demand. Deadweight prices remained close to recent highs, with processors continuing to compete for limited supplies. AHDB noted that throughput remains constrained, reinforcing the structural tightness seen across the beef sector.

The lamb trade also stayed strong, with limited lamb availability maintaining pressure on buyers. Deadweight and liveweight prices were broadly stable to firmer, reflecting ongoing supply-side constraints rather than any significant change in demand conditions.

AHDB said current market conditions continue to favour producers, with supply levels expected to remain tight in the near term, particularly for sheep, helping to support values into the early part of 2026.

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Source: AHDB | 16 January 2026

Premium British Food Finds Growing US Demand

Growing demand in North America is creating significant export opportunities for British red meat and dairy, according to new analysis from Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The report points to strong interest in premium British products, particularly high-quality beef, lamb, and artisanal cheeses, as US, Canadian, and Mexican consumers increasingly seek provenance, quality, and differentiated food offerings. AHDB says British producers are well placed to capitalise on this trend, especially in higher-value retail and foodservice channels.

North America already represents an important growth market for UK agri-food exports, and AHDB believes there is further scope to expand volumes and value through targeted promotion, brand positioning, and continued market access development.

The findings underline the importance of export diversification for the UK meat and dairy sectors, as producers look beyond traditional EU markets to drive future growth.

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Source: AHDB | 13 January 2026

Lamb Sales Surge Over Christmas as Turkey Declines, AHDB Reports

UK shoppers shifted their festive meat choices over Christmas 2025. Lamb volumes went up 17.2% while turkey sales fell. This is according to new consumer insight from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The standout performer was lamb leg roasting joints, which saw a 24.7% increase in purchases. This was driven by strong promotional activity and demand for premium yet versatile centre-of-plate options. AHDB said the results underline lamb’s growing appeal as an alternative festive roast.

The report also highlights the rising importance of convenience and value-led ranges. While overall beef volumes declined, beef roasting joints increased by 8.6%. In addition, convenience products performed strongly across all major meat categories.

AHDB concluded that retailers and producers able to balance premium cuts with convenient formats are best positioned to capture consumer demand. This advantage will increase as shopping habits continue to evolve.

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Source: AHDB | 13 January 2026

UK Cattle and Sheep Markets Hold Firm as Supply Tightens

UK cattle and sheep markets remained firm this week, with prices supported by tight availability and steady demand, according to the latest weekly market update from AHDB.

Cattle values continue to reflect limited numbers coming forward, while sheep prices have been underpinned by constrained supply and ongoing processor interest. Market conditions remain finely balanced, with producers retaining leverage amid structurally tighter livestock numbers.

The update reinforces expectations that supply-side pressure will remain a key driver of red meat pricing into early 2026.

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Source: AHDB | Weekly Market Wrap | 8 January 2026

Porkwatch Survey Shows Steady Retailer Support for British Pigmeat

UK retailers continue to show strong backing for British pigmeat, despite ongoing price pressure from EU imports, according to the latest Porkwatch survey reported by Pig World.

The latest AHDB Porkwatch survey shows UK retailers continue to strongly support British pork, with 88% of fresh pork on shelves sourced domestically. British bacon and ham remain lower at 56% and 62%, but overall pigmeat retail volumes have increased.

The figures highlight resilient consumer demand and ongoing retailer commitment amid import pressure.

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Source article: Pig World

29 December 2025 | United Kingdom