Rain Lifts Australian Cattle Markets as Sheep Trade Remains Mixed

Australian cattle markets moved higher this week after scattered rain across key production regions improved sentiment and helped break the weaker trend seen since mid March.

Meat & Livestock Australia said rain through the Central West, Northern Tablelands and parts of southern Queensland had a positive impact on cattle prices, with all cattle indicators lifting during the week. The national cattle yarding rose 9% to 71,230 head.

The strongest gains were seen in cow and restocker markets. The Processor Cow Indicator increased 10% to 326.5¢/kg liveweight, while the Restocker Yearling Heifer Indicator rose 6.5% to 342¢/kg liveweight. MLA said the lift reflected the importance of on farm conditions in recent cattle market sentiment.

Sheep and lamb markets were more mixed. National lamb yardings rose 10% to 162,200 head, while mutton yardings increased 55% to 87,644 head. Despite the larger mutton offering, prices remained stable, with the Mutton Indicator reaching 774.5¢/kg carcase weight.

Light lamb and trade lamb values eased over the week. The Light Lamb Indicator fell 4% to 1,079¢/kg carcase weight, while the Trade Lamb Indicator declined 3% to 1,151¢/kg carcase weight. Dubbo remained a stronger selling centre after rain, achieving premiums across both categories.

Slaughter data showed cattle processing remained historically elevated, with national cattle slaughter down 1% to 160,898 head for the week ending 1 May. Lamb slaughter fell 8.2% to 385,535 head, while mutton slaughter dropped 5.7% to 111,890 head, with public holidays affecting kill days in New South Wales and Western Australia.

For the wider red meat trade, the report highlights how quickly weather can shift Australian cattle market sentiment, while sheepmeat supply and processor demand continue to shape lamb and mutton pricing.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 8 May 2026

Beef and Lamb Roasting Joints Drive April Meat Inflation, Says AIMS

Meat and poultry prices rose by 4.06% in the 12 months to April 2026, according to the latest inflation report from the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers.

The annual figure is lower than the 7.95% recorded in the 12 months to March, but prices still moved upwards on a monthly basis, rising by 0.65% during April.

AIMS said beef and lamb were the main drivers of the monthly increase, with beef prices rising by 1.16% and lamb by 1.04% compared with March. These rises were partly balanced by falls in pork and chicken, which were down by 1.39% and 0.22% respectively.

Of the 30 meat and poultry lines tracked in the report, seven fell in price, seven remained unchanged and 16 increased. AIMS said beef roasting joints, up 9.57%, and lamb roasting joints, up 11.45%, were the standout increases.

Year on year, the overall meat and poultry inflation figure of 4.06% remains ahead of the 3.4% figure for food and non alcoholic beverages reported by the Office for National Statistics.

AIMS said annual price increases for beef and lamb continue to be the main contributors to meat inflation, while some chicken and pork cuts are still offering better value for shoppers at the chilled fixture. Chicken breast portions and thigh fillets have fallen year on year, while pork loin steaks, chops and mince are also giving consumers lower cost options.

Looking ahead, AIMS warned that rising costs across packaging, plastics, fuel, labour and farm inputs such as feed and fertiliser could continue to put upward pressure on meat and poultry prices in the coming months.

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Source: AIMS | 4 May 2026

AIMS March Inflation Report: “Calm before the storm” as supermarket meat prices fall again

UK supermarket meat and poultry prices fell for a second consecutive month in March, according to the latest AIMS meat and poultry inflation report, with the trade body warning that Middle East conflict related cost pressures are now starting to filter into the “four F’s of farming” and could reverse the recent easing.

AIMS said its March survey of four supermarket fixtures showed a 0.89% overall month on month fall, despite pork rising by 0.7%. Beef (-1.64%) and lamb (-0.92%) drove the decline, while chicken was unchanged at £4.63/kg.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, said the month provided the price stability consumers and government have wanted to see after sharp increases during 2025.

However, AIMS said the longer term trend remains upward. Over the last twelve months, prices across beef, lamb, pork and chicken are reported to have risen by 7.95%, driven by beef, with the beef fixture up +15.81%. AIMS added that pork and chicken, often viewed as the proteins households have switched to during fast paced food inflation, have broadly maintained near price parity.

Looking ahead, AIMS linked the outlook to rising production and processing costs tied to the conflict in the Middle East. Goodger said the war is now impacting the “four F’s” of farming costs, meaning feed, fertiliser, fuel and finance, with higher costs likely to move along the supply chain and eventually be passed on to consumers.

The press release also references recent government messaging in Parliament, noting the Chancellor’s comments that supermarkets and banks would be brought together to discuss further customer support.

AIMS also points to the Government’s recent Land Use Framework, which it says highlights the need to drive productivity improvements and expand highly efficient sectors. It notes that the poultry sector has been identified as having potential to increase domestic production quickly. Goodger argues that planning applications for efficient poultry and egg production should be fast tracked as permitted development, to reinforce the message that “food security is national security”.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) | 3oth March 2026

Middle East instability could shift UK meat prices as AIMS tracker turns negative

UK meat and poultry prices slipped slightly in February, with the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) reporting the first negative month on month movement since it launched its inflation tracker.

AIMS said the overall month on month inflation figure moved to -0.16% (down £0.02 per kg), with beef (-0.45%), pork (-0.56%) and chicken (-0.43%) all showing falls. Lamb was the only category to rise, up +0.58%.

Tony Goodger, Head of Communications at AIMS, said February pricing was “by and large” flat, but pointed to continued upward pressure on an annual basis. Comparing February 2025 with February 2026, AIMS reported prices up 11.99% (around £1.32 per kg), driven mainly by beef. In the tracker, lean minced beef rose £2.55 per kg (+31.91%) year on year, while beef roasting joints increased £3.95 per kg (+30.48%).

Goodger added that pork (+1.84%) and chicken (+0.43%) remain the more affordable switch for consumers seeking to stretch weekly food budgets.

Looking ahead, AIMS warned that developments in the Middle East could influence meat and poultry pricing through both trade flows and logistics.

One scenario outlined by AIMS is that Brazil, a major poultry supplier to the Middle East and one of the world’s largest beef exporters, could look to redirect volumes into markets such as the EU. AIMS said that could potentially pressure European pricing and, in turn, encourage additional EU exports, including Irish beef, into the UK market.

AIMS also highlighted shipping risk. It said disruption in the Red Sea and particularly the Strait of Hormuz can push southern hemisphere routes around the Cape of Good Hope, adding 10 to 14 days to transit times. AIMS said longer routes increase fuel use by up to 40% and raise freight and insurance costs, which can ultimately be passed through the supply chain.

Longer term, AIMS noted that input costs such as fertiliser, animal feed and oil could add inflationary pressure for producers, including in the UK. However, it also suggested that if Middle East tourism and demand were heavily impacted, import volumes could decline, potentially leaving more UK production in the domestic market.

“As ever, with economic thinking, there is rarely a simple answer,” Goodger said, adding that the next few months would be closely watched in the tracker.

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Source: Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) | 2 March 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

Hogget Prices Ease as Heavy Carcases Pressure Irish Sheep Trade

The Irish hogget trade has come under renewed downward pressure, with heavier carcase weights creating challenges for processors and dragging on prices across the market.

Base hogget quotes have eased back to around €7.50–€7.60/kg, plus quality assurance bonuses. Producers with larger numbers of hoggets that closely match current market specifications have been able to negotiate slightly stronger prices, but reports suggest an increasing proportion of heavy carcases in the kill is proving difficult to place.

Processors are encountering resistance from both retail and carcase customers, who continue to show a clear preference for lighter-weight lamb, limiting flexibility in the trade.

The average reported deadweight price for the week ending 24 January fell by 5c to €7.56/kg, remaining well behind the same period last year when prices averaged €8.92/kg. In Great Britain, reported deadweight prices declined by 13c/kg, while Northern Ireland prices dropped by 18c/kg to €6.97/kg.

Southern Hemisphere markets showed mixed trends. In Australia, a flush of new-season lambs combined with higher carcase weights weighed on prices, although heavy lamb values edged 3c/kg higher to the equivalent of €6.05/kg. New Zealand lamb prices improved to around €5.40/kg, with stronger supply influencing trade dynamics.

Sheep throughput in DAFM-approved plants for the week ending 24 January totalled 36,333 head, running 2% behind the same week in 2025. However, year-to-date throughput is 4% ahead of last year, with increases across all sheep categories. Industry sources suggest a stronger carryover of hoggets into 2026, which may support higher hogget throughput during the first quarter.

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Source: Bord Bia | Sheep Trade & Prices | 6 February 2026

Australian Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Wrap

Australian cattle and sheep markets experienced a sharp rebound in supply this week following widespread saleyard closures caused by extreme heat and the Australia Day public holiday, with cattle prices holding steady while sheep markets came under pressure.

According to Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), yardings increased significantly across all NLRS saleyards as deferred numbers came forward. Despite the surge in supply, cattle prices proved resilient, supported by ongoing demand and tightening seasonal conditions across large parts of New South Wales, where rainfall has been below average for four consecutive months.

At Dubbo, large numbers of cow-and-calf units were offered, while Wagga saw a notable lift in calves sold directly off cows. The National Young Cattle Indicator remained steady week on week at 450¢/kg liveweight, while the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator held at 842¢/kg carcase weight. The Processor Cow Indicator eased slightly, falling 5¢ to 361¢/kg liveweight.

Sheep markets were more volatile. Domestic demand was erratic, particularly across southern NSW and Victorian centres, although feedlot buying helped underpin trade lamb prices. Mutton buyers focused on very heavy lines. The Mutton Indicator held firm at 766¢/kg carcase weight, while the National Trade Lamb Indicator fell 27¢ to 1,108¢/kg cwt.

Slaughter numbers declined across all species during the week ending 30 January, reflecting the public holiday. Cattle slaughter fell to 124,662 head week on week, although throughput remains above both 2024 and 2025 levels. Lamb slaughter totalled 367,629 head, running around 13% below last year, while mutton slaughter dropped to 138,360 head, remaining 21% lower year on year.

MLA analysts noted that while short term supply surges can pressure prices, underlying fundamentals remain influenced by seasonal conditions, herd dynamics and ongoing producer decision making.

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Source: Meat & Livestock Australia | 6 February 2026

Britain’s meat inflation eases in January, but Ramadan set to push Halal lamb prices higher

Britain’s meat inflation slowed sharply in January, according to the latest AIMS Meat Inflation Report, although upward pressure is expected to return as Ramadan approaches.

The January 2026 report shows that average meat prices rose by just 0.32% (£0.04 per kg) during the month. However, year-on-year inflation remains elevated, with average prices up 12.58% (£1.38 per kg) compared with January 2025.

Monthly trends across beef, lamb, pork and chicken

During January, all four major categories — beef, lamb, pork and chicken — saw some individual cuts remain flat or fall slightly in price. Overall movements, however, varied by species.

Beef prices increased by 0.75% month on month, driven largely by a £1.18 per kg rise in roasting joints. Lamb prices also edged higher, rising 1.58%, with leg joints up £2.11 per kg. Both cuts were heavily promoted by retailers during December, and January pricing suggests supermarkets sought to recover margin following the festive period.

By contrast, pork prices fell slightly, down 0.14%, while chicken prices dropped more sharply by 5.68%. Together, these declines offset beef and lamb increases, keeping overall meat inflation modest for the month.

Annual inflation still driven by beef and lamb

Looking at the 12-month period from 1 February 2025 to 31 January 2026, all four categories recorded inflation, although the scale varied significantly.

Chicken showed the lowest annual increase at just 0.22%, with several cuts — including bone-in and filleted thighs — cheaper than a year earlier. This has been influenced by retailer price-matching and rollback promotions, particularly from Aldi and Asda.

Pork prices rose 1.27% year on year, led by roasting cuts. Leg increased by 10.87%, while shoulder rose 10.51%. Despite this, AIMS notes that pork continues to offer strong consumer value, aligning with AHDB’s current “British Pork, But Not As You Know It” campaign.

However, it is beef and lamb that continue to drive overall inflation. Lamb prices are up 4.46% year on year, while beef has surged by 29.9%, reflecting tight supply and strong demand.

Ramadan expected to lift Halal lamb prices

Looking ahead, AIMS expects further upward pressure on prices during February and March. With Valentine’s Day approaching, beef and lamb steaks are likely to rise. In addition, Ramadan (17 February to 18 March) is expected to significantly increase demand for Halal lamb and Halal chicken.

Weekly lamb throughput is already down by 2,387 head (1.22%), suggesting farmers may be holding stock back in anticipation of stronger Ramadan-driven liveweight prices.

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Source: Aims | 5 February 2026

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

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