Irish Cattle Prices Ease Despite Tight Supplies, Says AHDB

Irish cattle prices came under pressure through February and March, despite prime cattle slaughter remaining well below year earlier levels, according to AHDB.

AHDB said Irish prime cattle values fell for seven consecutive weeks during February and March, before steadying in recent weeks. Steers averaged 581p/kg in the week beginning 20 April, while the price gap with Great Britain widened to 47p/kg in the week beginning 27 April.

The fall in prices came despite continued supply constraints. Irish cattle kill, excluding calves, totalled 552,300 head in the 18 weeks to 27 April, down 13% on the same period last year. AHDB said tighter supplies are expected to remain a feature of the market through the rest of 2026.

Trade flows have also shifted. Irish imports of fresh and frozen beef rose nearly 70% in January and February to 6,800 tonnes, with the UK supplying more than 90% of that volume. Over the same period, Irish fresh and frozen beef exports fell 13% to 54,600 tonnes, with lower volumes reported to key markets including the UK, France and the Netherlands.

AHDB said Irish prices may now be more competitive against both Great Britain and continental Europe, which could support demand later in the year. However, beef price inflation in the UK and EU remains a key risk for consumer purchasing and overall beef demand.

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Source: AHDB | 7 May 2026

Cattle Prices Slip as Sheep Values Remain Historically High

Cattle prices fell across all major categories in the latest AHDB weekly market wrap, as weaker consumer demand continued to feed through to farmgate values.

For the week ending 2 May, the GB all-prime deadweight cattle average fell by 8p to 620p/kg. Steers were down 7p to 621p/kg, heifers fell 9p to 620p/kg, and young bulls eased 4p to 605p/kg. Prime cattle slaughter was broadly stable at 33,500 head, just 100 head lower than the previous week.

Cow prices also weakened, with the average down 12p to 507p/kg. Cow numbers remained limited at 7,100 head, down 400 on the week before. AHDB said retail demand remains under pressure, with beef volumes down 6% year on year in the 12 weeks to 19 April, while average retail prices were nearly 15% higher.

Sheep prices also edged back but remained historically strong for the time of year. The deadweight old season lamb SQQ fell 6p to 837p/kg, while new season lamb eased 2p to 917p/kg. Despite the weekly fall, old season lamb remains more than 150p above both last year’s level and the five-year average.

Liveweight lamb prices followed a similar pattern, with old season lamb back 7p to 400p/kg and new season lamb down 6p to 456p/kg. Estimated clean sheep slaughter fell by nearly 10,000 head to 176,000, as old season supplies continued to tighten.

For the wider red meat trade, the figures highlight a split market: cattle values are being squeezed by weaker retail demand, while sheep prices continue to receive support from tighter supplies and historically strong lamb values.

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Source: AHDB | 6 May 2026

Beef Mince Prices Rise 28.7% in Past Year

Beef mince prices in Great Britain have risen sharply over the past year, with AHDB figures showing the average retail price up by almost 28.7%.

Despite the increase, beef mince remains one of the most important household staples, with 70% of GB households buying it during the latest 52 week period. Retailers sold around 134 million kilos of beef mince, accounting for 73% of all mince purchases.

However, the price rise is beginning to affect buying habits. Retail volumes of beef mince fell by 8.3%, while household penetration also declined as some shoppers switched to cheaper proteins such as chicken.

AHDB said shoppers still have a strong expectation of what a 500g pack of mince should cost, typically between £3 and £5. Once prices move above that level, consumers become more likely to reduce purchases, change pack sizes, switch fat levels or look for lower cost alternatives.

The figures show beef mince remains a core product for British consumers, but continued price pressure may lead to further shifts in shopping behaviour across the meat fixture.

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Source: Agriland.co.uk | 27 April 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

Red Meat Retail Sales Show Mixed Start to 2026

Red meat retail performance in Great Britain delivered a mixed picture in the latest reporting period, with value growth supported by pricing, while volumes remained under pressure.

According to new consumer insight from AHDB, total red meat retail sales for the period ending 25 January 2026 reflected ongoing shifts in shopper behaviour following the Christmas trading window.

Beef and lamb categories experienced fluctuating volumes, influenced by post-holiday demand adjustments and price sensitivity among consumers. Promotional activity and cut selection continue to shape purchasing decisions, with shoppers increasingly balancing value considerations against quality and provenance.

Pig meat performance also reflected cautious consumer spending, as households manage budgets amid wider cost-of-living pressures. Despite softer volumes in some categories, overall value sales remain resilient due to sustained average price levels.

AHDB noted that changing consumer habits, including a continued focus on convenience and meal planning, are influencing category dynamics. Retailers and suppliers are expected to monitor promotional strategies closely as the market transitions into the spring trading period.

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Source: AHDB | Consumer Insight – 25 January 2026

GB Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Market Faces Pressure

Prime cattle prices in Great Britain edged lower in the latest reporting week, while lamb values also came under pressure amid softer demand.

According to the latest market wrap from AHDB, greater numbers of finished cattle coming forward weighed on deadweight prices. The overall GB steer price fell week-on-week, with heifers and young bulls also recording declines as supply outpaced demand.

Estimated prime cattle slaughter rose slightly compared with the previous week, and year-to-date throughput remains marginally ahead of the same period in 2025. Domestic retail and foodservice demand has reportedly softened post-Christmas, contributing to price adjustments.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, supported by seasonal demand for manufacturing beef. The price gap between prime cattle and cows narrowed further in the latest data.

In the sheep sector, the deadweight old season lamb price declined week-on-week and remains below year-ago levels. Industry reports indicate weaker domestic and export demand, with French market prices also trending lower. Clean sheep slaughter is running ahead of last year’s historically low levels.

Market participants will continue to monitor supply flows and consumer demand as the spring marketing period approaches.

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Source: AHDB Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Prime Cattle Prices Ease as Lamb Trade Weakens in GB

GB prime cattle prices came under pressure in late January as higher numbers forward weighed on the market. lamb prices continued to soften amid weaker domestic and export demand.

In the week ending 31 January, the GB deadweight steer price fell by 4.5p to average 638p/kg, while heifer prices eased 1.5p to the same level. Young bull prices also weakened, down 3.9p to 618p/kg. Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter increased by 900 head week on week to 34,800 head. In addition, year-to-date throughput is now 1% higher than the same period in 2025.

Market feedback suggests that greater supplies are meeting a softer demand profile. Reports indicate slower retail and foodservice demand as consumers rein in spending following the Christmas period.

In contrast, GB cow prices continued to strengthen, rising 3.8p to 512p/kg in the latest reporting week. Cow prices have increased in every week so far in 2026. The differential with prime cattle is narrowing as seasonal demand for manufacturing beef improves. Estimated cow slaughter declined by 900 head to 10,300 head week on week.

Sheep markets remained under pressure. The deadweight old-season lamb (OSL) SQQ dropped a further 10p/kg to 679p/kg, leaving it 31p/kg below year-ago levels. Supplies were reported above last year, while demand has weakened both domestically and for export.

By contrast, the liveweight OSL SQQ (England and Wales) increased 16p to 337p/kg in the week ending 1 February, marginally above the same week last year. Average cull ewe prices eased to £126.90/head. However, this remains £1.30/head higher year on year due to tighter availability.

Estimated clean sheep slaughter for the week ending 31 January totalled 193,600 head, down 2,400 head week on week. However, this was more than 19,000 head higher than the same week last year, which was historically low.

Weaker demand signals are also emerging in continental markets. Prices at Rungis Market in France have been falling steadily since the start of the year, pointing to softer demand conditions.

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Source: AHDB | Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap | 5 February 2026

AHDB Launches Expanded British Pork Marketing Campaign

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) has confirmed the return of its flagship pork campaign, “This is British pork. But not as you know it”, with an expanded programme designed to keep pork relevant all year round.

For 2026, the campaign will run across three TV-led bursts, including the first-ever summer television push for British pork. AHDB said the move reflects a strategy to drive consistent demand beyond traditional seasonal peaks.

The previous autumn campaign delivered record results, with purchase intent reaching 84% and retail pork volumes rising by 2.7%, underlining the effectiveness of sustained consumer-facing promotion at a time when households remain price-conscious.

The refreshed campaign will continue to focus on versatility, quality and modern usage occasions, positioning pork as a flexible protein suited to everyday meals as well as premium dishes. AHDB believes this approach is critical to defending pork’s share of the protein market amid competition from poultry and plant-based alternatives.

Industry representatives have broadly welcomed the expanded marketing effort, noting that demand-side support is essential as producers and processors navigate ongoing cost pressures, changing consumer habits and tighter margins.

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Source: AHDB | 2 February 2026

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