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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

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2025: Deadline nears for cage-free eggs pledge

The 2025 deadline set by several retailers in 2016 to allow for a comprehensive transition to cage-free egg production is fast approaching, but significant uncertainty remains as to whether this…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2025: Pig margins stay positive in changing sector

At the time of writing, it isn’t the pig industry that’s squealing the loudest any more, having experienced positive margins for six consecutive quarters for the first time in more…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2025: Buoyant sheep prices prompt more slaughtering

In contrast to recent years when the UK breeding flock increased, December 2023 survey data reported a 4.3% decline to 13.8m head. This is the lowest figure since the current…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2025: Efficiency needed to secure beef market benefit

The UK breeding herd has once again contracted, with June 2024 data showing a further 4.5% decline over the year. The previous year saw the greatest fall in female animals…

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News

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

UK meat exports hit record high

British red meat exports have hit a record high, boosting its worth to £1.77bn in 2024, underpinned by an increased appetite for beef in Europe and wider markets. Beef shipments…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Smaller breeding flock to keep lamb prices elevated in 2025

Domestic lamb prices are due to remain supported during much of 2025 as a result of fewer breeding ewes and a smaller lamb crop. The UK breeding sheep flock has…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Global pig herd set to grow as producer margins improve

Global pork production is set for a modest increase in 2025 of roughly 1%, with sow herds expanding in China, Mexico, and Brazil, but contracting in the US and EU.…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Depleted NI sheep flock leads to urgent calls for support

The sheep sector in Northern Ireland remains in decline and contracted for the third consecutive year in 2024, prompting calls from the industry for immediate support. There were 930,000 ewes…

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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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