Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap – 22 October 2026

Deadweight prices cover Great Britain (GB) for the week ending 17 October. Liveweight prices cover England and Wales (E&W) for the week ending 18 October.

• The GB all-prime average price rose by 2p from the previous week to 645p/kg, supported by cattle numbers remaining lower compared to last year
• The overall average cow price was up 1p to 475p/kg, still lagging below 2025 levels
• The deadweight NSL SQQ was back 4p on the week to sit at 719p/kg, with tightness in supply sustaining the price 57p higher than the same week in 2025

For the week ending 17 October, the GB all-prime average cattle price rose 2p from the previous week to 645p/kg, marking the sixth week in a row of steady increases. The overall steer and heifer prices both saw increases of 2p/kg. Overall young bull average prices saw a larger increase of 6p/kg on the week prior.

Estimated prime cattle slaughter totalled 32,200 head, an increase of 1,300 head from the previous week. Although, this remains 200 head lower than the same week in 2025.

The overall average cow price was up 1p to 475p/kg in the latest week but still sits 41p lower than last year’s level.

Throughputs of cows increased by 100 head versus last week to reach 10,100 head in the week ending 17 October. However, this remains 700 head lower than the same week last year, reflecting the continued pressure on cow availability that we have seen characterise the market in recent weeks.

Red meat retail performance data for the 12 weeks ending 4 October 2026 showed that beef volumes decreased by 0.4% versus the same period last year with average prices increasing by 2.0%.

Strong growth in steak sales, particularly sirloin helped to offset declines in other cuts. Promotional activity also helped to boost demand, with burgers and sausages attracting more shoppers in this period due to good weather.

Market reports suggest that the cattle trade was competitive in the latest week, with Christmas procurement incentivising buyers to compete for available supplies. Cattle availability varied by region.

Finished sheep prices dipped for the week ending 17 October, with the deadweight NSL SQQ back 4p/kg to sit at 719p/kg. This price holds 57p higher than the same week last year.

Estimated slaughter decreased by 5,000 head on the week prior to 218,100 head. This is 5,200 head lower than the same week in 2025, reflecting a tightness in sheep availability, which is likely sustaining prices above historical levels.

Store lamb prices remained stable on the week at £117/head, whilst throughput saw a marginal increase of 400 head to sit at 73,000 head. This is 4,500 head higher than in 2025, indicating more lambs coming forward potentially link to a lack of forage availability due to the prolonged hot weather over the summer.

Cull ewes averaged £132/head in the week ending 18 October, a minimal gain from the previous week, but remaining well above 2025 levels. Throughput of ewes saw an increase of 3,000 head from the previous week to sit at 35,000 head.

Market reports suggest smaller entries coming forward with prices remaining steady. Export and heavier lambs were particularly in demand across some regions.

Red meat retail performance data for the 12 weeks ending 4 October 2026 showed that lamb volumes decreased by 11%, with average prices increasing 8% which likely made lamb less affordable. An increase in promotions drove volume increases of lamb mince and stewing lamb.

© Livestock Auctioneers Association Limited 2026. All rights reserved

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