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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

Tighter lamb numbers help lift prices of finished sheep

A tightening supply of finished lambs has helped lift prices for better-quality sheep, although a shortage of lighter animals is creating an uneven trade. Some abattoirs increased prices by 10-15p/kg…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Welsh farmers call for ban on Brazilian beef imports

Welsh livestock farmers are urging the UK government to ban Brazilian meat imports amid concerns over production standards and potential disruption to domestic markets. NFU Cymru has written to all…

MARKETS AND TRENDS

Simmental and Charolais bulls reach 30,000gns at Stirling

A vibrant trading atmosphere saw buyers flocking from across the UK to Stirling Bull Sales on 18-19 October. Simmental and Charolais bulls commanded the top prices of the day, achieving…

MEAT MARKETS AND PRICES

Beef prices to remain supported in 2027 as herd contracts

Tight supplies are expected to continue to support cattle prices for the rest of 2026 and into next year, though subdued consumer demand and a changing import mix may limit…

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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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