Meat & Livestock News

UK-Canada Free Trade Agreement Talks Put on Hold

Negotiations between the UK and Canada for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) have been temporarily suspended. These talks aimed to update the existing agreement, which has allowed the UK to trade with Canada on favourable terms since leaving the EU. The UK has benefited from this relationship, particularly in agricultural exports. In 2022, significant exports […]

Lamb Market’s December 2023 Review: Prices Show Consistent Growth

Overview of Lamb Prices The lamb market in Great Britain experienced a notable upward trend in prices during December 2023. The GB NSL liveweight SQQ (Standard Quality Quotation) began the month at 260.1p/kg and progressively increased, culminating at 287.9p/kg by the end of the month. Deadweight Price Movements In terms of deadweight prices, the GB […]

Beef Market’s December 2023 Review: Prices Show Consistent Growth

Beef Prices in December The beef market in Great Britain experienced a notable upward trend in cattle prices during December 2023. The month started with the all-prime average cattle price at 480.4p/kg. This figure steadily increased over the weeks, culminating at 489.0p/kg by the year’s end. This closing price mirrors the levels seen earlier in […]

UK’s Beef and Lamb Yields Dip in 2023, Weather Plays Spoilsport

In 2023, UK farmers faced a bit of a tough patch with beef and lamb production. Beef numbers went down by 2.5%, and lamb wasn’t far behind with a 1.8% drop. It seems the weather wasn’t playing ball, making it tricky for farmers to get their animals market-ready. Beef’s Bit of a Bother The beef […]

2024 Outlook: Australian Sheep Production and Its Potential Impact on the UK Market

In 2024, the dynamics of the Australian sheep market could have a ripple effect on the UK, influenced by factors like El Nino and evolving global trade patterns. Australian Production Trends Australia’s sheep flock has reached its highest level since 2007, boasting 28.75 million head, as reported by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA). This growth […]

UK Pork Imports Rise as Domestic Production Slows

The UK pork industry is experiencing a notable increase in imports, a trend driven by lower domestic production and attractive prices in the European Union. This growth is evident both monthly and annually. Import Dynamics In November, the UK imported 71,300 tonnes of pig meat, marking an increase of 1,200 tonnes from October. This growth […]

New Directions in New Zealand’s Farming: Prioritising Value

New Zealand’s farming strategy is evolving. The emphasis is shifting from increasing production to enhancing the quality and value of agricultural products. This is a significant departure from traditional practices in the sector. Government Transition and Pandemic Influence The changeover from Labour to the National Party has brought fresh viewpoints to agriculture. Damien O’Connor, the […]

UK Pork Offal Market Expands into Mexico

The UK pork industry has received a significant boost with the recent announcement that the Mexican market has opened its doors to British pork offal. This development comes two years after Mexico first allowed imports of British pork, marking a continued expansion in international trade relations. Mexico’s Growing Pork Demand Mexico ranks as one of […]

2024 Irish Beef Market Outlook and Its Implications for the UK

The Irish beef sector is poised for a positive year in 2024, but what does this mean for the UK beef market? Here’s an overview of the key trends and forecasts. 2023: A Year of Strong Prices Despite Production Dip In 2023, the Irish beef market saw robust finished cattle prices, particularly in the first […]

Emergency Response Quells Fire at Wolverhampton Meat Processing Plant

A substantial fire erupted at a meat processing facility in Wolverhampton, leading to a large-scale response from emergency services. The incident unfolded at a facility run by ScotBeef, situated on Stafford Road, in the early hours. West Midlands Fire Service reported that around 40 firefighters were mobilised to address the fire. Their efforts were focused […]