Weekly cattle and sheep market wrap – 16 April 2026

Deadweight prices cover GB for the week ending 11 April. Liveweight prices cover England and Wales for the week ending 12 April.

• The all-prime average GB deadweight cattle price increased by 0.3p to stand at 645p/kg in the latest reporting week
• Heifers averaged 636p/kg while steers averaged 635p/kg
• GB deadweight OSL SQQ fell to stand at 847p/kg following Easter, reflecting typical seasonal trends. Despite this fall, prices remain at record high levels
• AHDB estimated clean sheep slaughter increased by 1,400 head on the week, to stand at 191,400 head

Overall, GB deadweight prime cattle prices saw a slight increase in the week ending 11 April. The average all-prime price reached 635p/kg, rising by just 0.3p on the week. This price now sits 61p below the same week of last year, as we annualise against a period of steep price climbs.

Within this, the average steer price reached 635p/kg, declining by 1p on the week and standing 62p lower than the same period last year. This is, however, 133p/kg above the five-year average.

The overall heifer price was 636p/kg, increasing by 2p on the week and 59p lower than the same period last year.

Overall, young bulls averaged 616p/kg, up 1p from the previous week and down substantially by 69p compared to a year ago.

The average GB deadweight cow price rose by 3p on the week to stand at 530p/kg, marking a 10p increase compared with last year and standing 153p/kg above the five-year average.

Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter totalled 30,100 head, showing a slight increase (500 head) against the previous week. Meanwhile, cull cow slaughter numbers increased by 300 head to 7,100 head.

More broadly, cattle prices have been supported by stronger seasonal demand and reduced production capacity over the Easter holiday period. Fewer processing days led to a tightening in short-term supply and has likely contributed to firmer prices.

From a global perspective, an outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease has been reported in China, affecting 6,229 cattle, with the origin believed to be linked to Africa. This situation warrants close monitoring in the coming months due to its potential implications for global trade.

Meanwhile, the GB deadweight old season lamb (OSL) SQQ fell by 19p in the week ending 11 April, reaching 847p/kg. This sits 136p higher than the same week last year.

In the week ending 12 April, the liveweight OSL SQQ for England and Wales (E&W), rose by 2p to 413p/kg, which was 79p higher than during the same week in 2025. Throughputs of finished lambs through the live markets declined by 17% on the week to 35,900 head, with consistent declines over the past few weeks likely signalling the tapering of old season supplies.

AHDB estimated weekly GB clean sheep slaughter increased slightly, totalling 191,400 head, an increase of around 1,400 head on the week.

However, throughput remained constrained by reduced processing capacity over the Easter holiday period, with fewer operational days limiting overall production.

As a result, while week on week increases were observed, slaughter levels are not directly comparable to typical full production weeks.

Average cull ewe prices remained relatively stable over the week to £175/head, this is £13/head higher than a year ago.

© Livestock Auctioneers Association Limited 2026. All rights reserved.

You can subscribe to receive beef and lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.

While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.

All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk  © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.