Meat & Livestock News

Dorset Sheep: Revolutionising Carcase Traits

TL;DR: Dorset sheep breeders have enhanced lamb carcass traits, leading to faster growth and higher market value, by adopting direct measures and genetic analysis. For half a century, breeders of Poll Dorset and Dorset Horn sheep have aimed to increase the market value of their lambs. This goal has led to significant improvements in traits […]

Weekly Cattle and Sheep Market Summary

TL;DR: Cattle prices slightly fell, and sheep prices dropped but remained high year-on-year. Easter and weather affect slaughter; the EU-NZ trade agreement could impact trade. Cattle Overview: This week, prime cattle prices faced a slight decrease. The GB all-prime average fell by 2p to 487.7p/kg. These prices match those from the same period last year. […]

Meat Gains Popularity at Home

TL;DR: Meat’s popularity in meals grows despite cost pressures, with trends towards hot, nutritious, and budget-conscious home dining choices. Meat’s presence in meals continues to rise despite higher food prices. Over half of meals now include meat, fish, or poultry. Red meat’s role in lunch and dinner has slightly increased from last year. Lunch choices […]

Australian Goat Meat Exports Surge to Record Levels, Shaping Global Market Dynamics

TL;DR: In 2023, Australian goat meat exports soared, reaching the second-highest volume since 2014 and significantly influencing global markets. Prices dropped, yet Australia dominated key markets, notably surpassing New Zealand in China. In 2023, Australian goat meat witnessed a significant upturn in exports, hitting the second-highest annual volume since 2014, with a whopping 33,891 tonnes […]

Revolutionising Farming: The Beaumonts’ Success with Bale Grazing

TL;DR: Sam and Claire Beaumont, transitioning from engineering careers in London to managing a pedigree beef farm, have successfully implemented bale grazing to enhance their farm’s productivity and sustainability. This method, integrated into their farming strategy, not only revitalised their land but also significantly reduced costs and improved cattle health, showcasing a promising path for […]

UK Pork Industry Gears Up for Crucial Mexican Audit with Preparatory Workshop

TL;DR: Ahead of a pivotal reapproval inspection audit by a Mexican contingent for British pork, UK exporters convened for a workshop organised by AHDB and UKECP. The session, held on 19 March 2024, featured presentations on food safety, audit preparations, and insights from previous audits, receiving high praise from industry participants for its networking opportunities […]

Stability on the Horizon for GB Pig Prices After Recent Downturn

TL;DR: In the first two months of 2024, Great Britain’s pig prices have experienced a downward trajectory, with the EU spec Standard Pig Price (SPP) averaging at 211.32p/kg in February, marking a slight decrease from January’s average. Despite this, prices remain nearly 4p/kg higher than the same period last year.  Notably, the trend wasn’t uniformly […]

Easter 2024 Anticipated to Boost Lamb Sales Significantly

TL;DR: As families across Britain prepare to celebrate Easter, the first bank holiday weekend of 2024, the demand for traditional roast lamb is expected to soar once again. Following a year where lamb sales reached 80 Kt in supermarkets and the market value climbed to £852m, a 4% increase from the previous year, the Agriculture […]

Beef Market Update: BCMS Data Signals Future Supply Tightening

TL;DR: The latest data from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) highlights a forthcoming shift in the Great Britain (GB) cattle supply landscape. As we delve into the numbers, a nuanced picture of the beef market’s future emerges, marked by short-term availability increases and longer-term supply reductions. Short-term Supply Dynamics As of January 1, 2024, […]

Weekly Cattle & Sheep Market Wrap – 07 March 2024 | AHDB

TL;DR: In the latest market developments for the week ending 02 March 2024, the British cattle and sheep sectors have shown notable trends. The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reports a continued upward trajectory in lamb prices, alongside a stable but firm beef market. Beef and Lamb Prices: A Detailed Overview The Great Britain […]