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All articles about Meat markets and prices

News and analysis on beef, lamb and pig market prices. Check deadweight prices and auction markets average prices for prime cattle, cull cows and prime sheep. See where export and retail opportunities exist, stay informed on consumer trends and find out which supermarkets are backing British meat.

Advice and tips

BUSINESS

How demand for ‘regen beef’ is expanding in niche markets

Significant premiums are being paid by some butchers, restaurant chains and retailers for regeneratively farmed beef. The sector remains in its infancy, and what exactly is involved in regenerative practices…

MARKETS AND TRENDS

Farm business outlook 2022: Pig sector must focus on consumer

A radical rethink about the way the British pig sector operates is urgently needed to help reverse the crippling losses that producers now face. For too long, the industry has…

BUSINESS

Review insurance cover in light of high stock values

The increase in livestock values over the past year means many farm businesses run the risk of being underinsured if they suffer theft or other insured loss. Mike Clementson, a…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Rule reminder: Best practice when trading livestock remotely

Farmers who purchase livestock in private trades should find out all they can about the animals before agreeing to a sale to maximise their chance of a refund if they…

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Community

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Mules up on the year to average £178 at Thame Sheep Fair

A stronger trade for breeding ewes defied the weaker lamb market at the recent Thame Sheep Fair, with both average prices and numbers up on the year. More than 18,000…

TAKING STOCK

Thame Mules stand on at £171 despite drought

Breeding ewe prices at Thame Sheep Fair were only marginally down on last year’s record values, despite drought-like conditions in the south-east of England. The annual event, held last week…

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Insights

LIVESTOCK MARKETING

Halal lamb consumers ripe for targeting

Global demand for lamb is set to increase 15% by 2032, creating significant opportunities for UK sheep farmers. This is according to ABP farming sustainability lead Tom Dracup, who added…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Halal lamb: 'A market farmers can no longer ignore'

The consumption of halal meat may have its detractors, but Awal Fuseini, senior sector manager at the AHDB, says it is a market that farmers and processors can no longer…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2024: Pig producers see uplift in fortunes

The past 12 months have seen a change in fortunes with most pork producers reporting positive margins, says Andersons consultant Harry Batt. While the outlook for 2024 suggests this more…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2024: Poultry price pressure set to remain in 2024

The UK poultry sector has suffered many challenges over the past 12 months and beyond. It looks set to continue on a rollercoaster ride through 2024, according to Andersons consultant…

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News

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Cull cow base tipped to narrow gap with prime cattle

A 140p/kg gulf between cull cow and prime cattle base prices is expected to close over the coming weeks as processors seek cheaper cuts. Trade sources predict a 430p/kg deadweight…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Flying lamb trade showing no sign of stopping next year

Finished lamb prices have flourished throughout 2024, with deadweight values on the cusp of £7/kg this week. The trade has been primarily driven by tight supplies, with UK clean sheep…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Meat wholesalers warn of empty shelves in Scotland

Gaps could appear in the red meat sections at UK supermarkets in 2025 amid a warning that domestic supplies are “nearing a critical tipping point”. The downward trajectory in cattle…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Festive trade on fire at Christmas fatstock shows

Finished cattle achieved exceptional prices at Christmas fatstock shows and sales across the country in December, lifting the trade to new record highs. Regular buyers were joined by butchers and…

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Video

OTHER POULTRY

Video: Strong demand but high costs for turkey sector this year

On-farm growers have faced a multitude of challenges this year, of which rising feed costs and access to labour have been the biggest. At the time they were placing orders…

BUSINESS

Video: Wagyu beef market - tradition and change in Japan

The story of Japan’s famed Wagyu beef is a complex and evolving one. We travelled to Japan to find out more about how this premium product is faring in a…

LIVESTOCK

Video: Tough times for sheep farmers at Welshpool market

Last year was tough for sheep farmers and with the potential loss of EU markets and pressure from climate change lobbyists, this year looks set to be no easier. We…

BUSINESS

Video: How the industry is fighting red meat myths

From being accused of being unhealthy to harming the environment, the red meat industry has bad publicity thrown at it from all corners of the media. But there is a…

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