20 March 2025

Weekly cattle & sheep market wrap – 20 March 2025

This week's view of the cattle and sheep markets

7 March 2025

GB cattle populations fall for the tenth consecutive year

The most recent update of BCMS data shows a continuation of many of the trends we have seen over the last ten years.

3 July 2025

2024 Beef trade review – Irish imports up as price differential widens

Increased imports and steady export growth defined the UK beef trade in 2024. Total fresh and frozen beef imports rose 8% on the year to 241,000 tonnes. Driven by a rise in exports to key EU markets, total UK beef exports grew by 9%, despite volumes to Ireland declining by 7%.

27 February 2025

European sheep market update: flock decline led to record prices in 2024

The European sheep flock continues to shrink, with a 1.5 million head decrease reported at the end of 2023.

14 February 2025

Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap – 13 February 2025

This week's view of cattle and sheep markets.

17 January 2025

Australian and New Zealand lamb outlook 2025: Strong prices and Australian seasonal optimism

Australian sheep producer sentiment significantly rebounded in 2024 while New Zealand lamb processing expected to decrease by 6.5% in 2024-25.

8 January 2025

Global Lamb Market – Oceanian exports pivot as China’s demand looks to shape 2025 market

Global sheep meat production in 2024 has experienced notable shifts, driven by changing flock sizes and evolving demand from major markets. We explore the factors shaping sheep meat trade across key regions in 2024 and assess what trends are likely to emerge in 2025.

27 December 2024

Higher SFI uptake recorded but no major shifts

SFI uptake data published in May quelled fears that large amounts of productive land are being entered into the scheme. Defra has since released further information on SFI uptake which reveals higher SFI uptake but no major shifts.

14 October 2024

Total farm support eroded by underspend and inflation

As we approach the first budget of the newly elected government, we examine how farming costs have changed in line with inflation and what this means for the agricultural budget in real terms going forward.

2 August 2024

Beef market update: Effects of the contracting herd in the US are felt globally

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has released its latest quarterly outlook for global red meat production and trade. Global beef production for 2024 is forecast to reach 60.7 million tonnes, 1.3% above 2023 levels.

16 October 2024

Cost of production

Production costs data and analysis, by sector.

11 July 2024

More actions and expanded 25% cap – the latest on SFI

Defra has released further information on the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) today (21 May 2024), revealing an 'expanded and improved offer'.

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