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

MLA Launches Rare Medium 2026 to Shape Future of Red Meat on Australian Menus

Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) has launched Rare Medium 2026, its latest long-term foodservice trends report. This is designed to guide how red meat will feature on Australian menus over the next decade.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia, the report draws on extensive consumer research, chef insights and global dining trends. As a result, it helps producers, processors and foodservice operators adapt red meat offerings to changing expectations.

Key themes highlighted include:

Growing demand for premium, provenance-led beef and lamb

Increased focus on sustainability, nose-to-tail utilisation and value-led cuts

The influence of global flavours and multicultural dining

A shift towards flexitarian menus, where red meat is eaten less frequently but with higher quality expectations

MLA said Rare Medium 2026 is intended to support the entire red meat supply chain. It does this by aligning production and product development with how consumers actually choose meals, rather than focusing solely on volume growth.

The report positions red meat as a hero ingredient when executed well. It suggests that future success lies in storytelling, eating experience and menu relevance rather than price competition alone.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | January 2026