GB deadweight sheep prices

This survey is intended to provide a weekly overview of the prices paid by abattoirs in Great Britain for deadweight prime sheep classified on the EUROP grid, falling within the SQQ weight band and dressed to UK standard dressing specification.

Historically, the prices came from a voluntary sample of abattoirs. From March 2026 the survey was improved to collect and publish prices from a larger sample of abattoirs who are required to report prices under new legislation.

The graphs above show old season lambs from 1 January to the third Monday in May and new season lambs thereafter.

The ‘overall numbers’ graph(s) show an increase in the number of lambs from March 2026 onwards due to the change in sample size when the survey switched from voluntary to statutory.

The AHDB deadweight sheep price series is collected from a sample of abattoirs in Great Britain. Abattoirs submit the price, weight, fat class and conformation of all their prime sheep procured deadweight, regardless of scheme, breed or organic status. The prices shown are in pence per kilo, excluding VAT and represent the average payable for the animal upon delivery to the abattoir, before deductions (e.g. procurement, transport, insurance, inspection, levy).

The data is collected weekly and published every Wednesday for the previous week (Sunday to Saturday).  It reports prime sheep falling in the SQQ (standard quality quotation) weight band (12 kg and 21.5 kg).

Prime sheep are reported as new season lambs or old season lambs.  The price graph above shows old season lambs from 1 January to the third Monday in May and new season lambs thereafter.

When viewing prices and graphs, it is important to consider how carcases are dressed at abattoirs.

In November 2023, AHDB changed to publishing prices based on a dressing specification where the KKCF and diaphragm skirt was removed. 

In 2026 new legislation means that abattoirs across Great Britain killing over a certain number of sheep are legally required to standardise their carcase classification, dressing specifications, weighing methods for sheep less than twelve months old, making everything consistent.  The law also requires the abattoirs to report their deadweight prices. 

From March 2026, the deadweight sheep prices are published based on the legislated UK Standard dressing specification.

Please take into consideration changes in the sample size when viewing the historical price series.

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This dataset was produced by our Data and Analysis Team. If you need further help, please email the team at econ@ahdb.org.uk 

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