Important update on AHDB’s deadweight sheep price reporting

New legislation in Great Britain for carcase classification and deadweight price reporting means significant change for the sheep sector. Joanne Cook, Head of Data and Analysis, explains what this means and why it matters.

Following my last blog, a major milestone moment has arrived in the sheep world. New legislation in Great Britain means sheep carcase classification and deadweight price reporting is now in place and we are reporting the prices.

This aligns the sheep sector with cattle and pigs, which already have similar legislation in place.

What are the new rules and why do they matter?

Abattoirs across Great Britain killing over a certain number of sheep are now legally required to standardise carcase classification, dressing specification and weighing methods for new and old season lambs less than 12 months old.

Importantly, these abattoirs are also required to report deadweight sheep prices.

The new rules allow consistent, transparent and clear information on how sheep are assessed and priced at slaughter.

Why is AHDB involved?

For many years we have taken great pride in providing independent, transparent and reliable market information to help levy payers make informed business decisions.

We have made it our mission to build a reputation as a trusted provider of high-quality and timely data. My team of expert analysts are dedicated to publishing credible and robust price series for our levy payers.

Historically, we have published weekly GB deadweight sheep prices based on a sample of abattoirs which have kindly provided their information to us voluntarily.

Due to our reputation, we have been entrusted to collect and produce the weekly GB deadweight sheep price series under the new legislation, as we have done for cattle and pigs for many years.

What’s happening to the deadweight price series?

As mentioned above, up to February 2026 the prices published were collected from a voluntary sample of abattoirs.

From week ending 7 March 2026, the survey will be improved by collecting and publishing data from the new larger sample of abattoirs who are required to price report under the new legislation.

Price information will be published for prime sheep falling within the SQQ weight band (12 kg to 21.5 kg) and dressed to UK-standard specification (kidney knobs, channel fat and diaphragm skirt removed).

All prices will continue to be published on our website each week. You can also sign up via our preference centre to receive the weekly price report straight to your inbox.