51AVÊÓÆµ

Fierce competition for prime beef sees prices 'soar' with supply limited by reduction in UK cattle numbers

Farmers have seen strong prime beef prices at auction marts of late, but will the trend continue?

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
QMS market intelligence manager, Iain MacDonald, said prices were up by more than 40% on the five-year average for the time last month due to 'fierce competition' for prime cattle.
Image:

QMS market intelligence manager, Iain MacDonald, said prices were up by more than 40% on the five-year average for the time last month due to 'fierce competition' for prime cattle.

After a strong second half of 2024, prime cattle prices have continued to surge at the start of 2025, with prices up by 21% year-on-year. QMS Quality Meat Scotland's market intelligence manager, Iain...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

Ìý

More on Beef

UK produce to be celebrated in Great British Beef Week

UK produce to be celebrated in Great British Beef Week

The event will celebrate everything beef related starting on St George’s Day on April 23, AHDB has announced

Jacob Bailey
clock 09 April 2026 • 2 min read
First tariff-free UK beef arrives in the US

First tariff-free UK beef arrives in the US

Defra Secretary Emma Reynolds has lead the first dedicated agricultural trade mission to the United States

Alex Black
clock 02 March 2026 • 4 min read
Slower beef market should not herald a collapse in prices

Slower beef market should not herald a collapse in prices

The year has got off to a weaker tone in the British beef market, but there is still room for optimism among producers

clock 25 February 2026 • 3 min read