GB deadweight prime cattle costs noticed a “slight enhance” within the week ending eleventh April. The typical all-prime value reached 635p/kg, rising by simply 0.3p on the week. The worth now sits 61p under the identical week of final 12 months as AHDB annualises towards a interval of steep value climbs.
Inside this, the common steer value reached 635p/kg, declining by 1p on the week and standing 62p decrease than the identical interval final 12 months. That is, nonetheless, 133p/kg above the five-year common.
Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter totalled 30,100 head, exhibiting a slight enhance (500 head) towards the earlier week. Cull cow slaughter numbers elevated by 300 head to 7,100 head.
AHDB mentioned that extra broadly, cattle costs had been supported by “stronger seasonal demand” and decreased manufacturing capability over the Easter vacation interval. Fewer processing days led to a tightening in short-term provide and has probably contributed to firmer costs.
From a world perspective, an outbreak of foot and mouth illness has been reported in China, affecting 6,229 cattle, with the origin believed to be linked to Africa. AHDB warned that the state of affairs warrants “shut monitoring” within the coming months attributable to its potential implications for international commerce.
Lamb throughput constrained over Easter
The GB deadweight previous season lamb (OSL) customary high quality citation (SQQ) fell by 19p within the week ending eleventh April, reaching 847p/kg. This sits 136p increased than the identical week final 12 months.
Within the week ending twelfth April, the liveweight OSL SQQ for England and Wales (E&W), rose by 2p to 413p/kg, which was 79p increased than throughout the identical week in 2025. Throughputs of completed lambs by the reside markets declined by 17% on the week to 35,900 head, and AHDB mentioned that constant declines over the previous few weeks probably signalled the tapering of previous season provides.
AHDB estimated weekly GB clear sheep slaughter elevated barely, totalling 191,400 head, a rise of round 1,400 head on the week. Nevertheless, decreased processing capability constrained throughput over Easter as fewer operational days restricted general manufacturing.
Whereas week-on-week will increase have been noticed, slaughter ranges weren’t instantly similar to typical full manufacturing weeks in consequence.
