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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 2026: Consolidation poses threats to pork sector

Are integrated supply chains good for the industry? And who actually controls the UK’s pig supply chain? As we look towards a further year of uncertain financial stability in the…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2026: Sheep market strong but expansion unlikely

For the second year in a row, we have seen the UK breeding flock decrease, with Defra’s December 2024 survey reporting a 5% fall to 13.1 million ewes. That is…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Outlook 2026: Cautious optimism for beef sector

After several years of volatility, the UK beef sector entered the new year with prices holding firmer than many observers expected, says Andersons consultant Charlotte Dun. GB deadweight cattle prices…

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…

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News

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Global demand for meat set to grow as production rises

Global meat consumption is expected to increase over the next five years, with demand for red meat and poultry projected to climb. Dr Phil Hadley, secretary general of the International…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Scottish cattle numbers still falling but decline slows

Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) has projected that UK beef production could be on course for an 8% decline by 2030, if the domestic beef herd continues to fall. The Scottish…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Welsh levy body sets four-year red meat strategy

Hybu Cig Cymru (Meat Promotions Wales) has published a new strategic action plan setting out its priorities for the next four years to support the Welsh red meat industry. The…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Small abattoirs at ‘dangerous tipping point’

A Welsh abattoir owner has warned the UK’s network of small slaughterhouses is at a “dangerous tipping point”, as rising regulatory costs threaten to force more local facilities out of…

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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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