Market Intelligence

Source

© Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board [2026]. All rights reserved.

Deadweight cattle prices are collected from all Scottish abattoirs slaughtering more than 20,000 adult cattle per year and prices are reported for all animals bought deadweight. Prices are reported on a UK spec basis and are quoted before any deductions such as transport costs or red meat levy. The average prime cattle price is the average price paid per kilo for all steers, heifers and young bulls at the price reporting abattoirs in Scotland.

From March 2026 onwards, voluntary deadweight sheep price reporting has been replaced by mandatory price reporting in Great Britain. Deadweight lamb prices are collected from all abattoirs killing over 2,000 sheep per week in England & Wales with a lower threshold of 500 per week in Scotland. In addition, abattoirs with a lower throughput can voluntarily report prices. The reported prices are only for those sheep bought on a deadweight basis and with a carcase weight within the 12-21.5kg range. Prices are quoted before any deductions such as transport costs, VAT and red meat levy. Dressing specifications have been standardised to UK standard specification (kidney knobs, channel fat and diaphragm skirt removed). Prices for hoggs are quoted between January and April and new season lambs between May and December.

Deadweight pig prices are collected from a voluntary sample of abattoirs across Great Britain. Prices are reported on an EU spec basis and the standard pig price excludes market premia for specific characteristics. Pigs owned by processing companies are excluded.