Livestock Business News

Defra has pledged to tackle illegal meat imports by offering £3.1 million in funding for checks at the Port of Dover in 2025/2026. However, the port authority said that this is not enough to protect the livestock sector from potentially devastating disease outbreaks. 

The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has responded to claims made by the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) denying that the producers are facing a 25% fee increase.

While the British meat industry is preparing for the latest blow from its own regulator, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is also making it harder for producers by imposing an increase in meat inspection charges. They came into force on April Fool’s Day, and, unfortunately, it is not a joke.

NFU Cymru said that “sobering” new figures showing a record number of cattle culled in Wales last year because of bovine TB further underline the need for change in strategy.

Farming leaders have stressed the importance of retailers keeping promises given to farmers, following news that Asda has moved away from its pledge to source only British poultry. 

A beef and sheep farmer from Norfolk has decided to move from a mixed arable to an all-livestock operation. His aim is to focus on improving farm resilience, soil health and stock performance.

The Farmers’ Union of Wales (FUW) has expressed concerns following the release of UK trade figures, which revealed a significant increase in sheep meat imported to the UK in 2024. 

The Association of Independent Meat Suppliers (AIMS) has commenced a legal action challenging the charges that the Food Standards Agency (FSA) is levying on the meat industry. 

Despite a challenging trading environment, the total value of UK dairy exports broadly matched 2023, with export values to the EU and US increasing. EU and US demand helped drive the value of UK dairy exports in 2024 to £1.8 billion.

The farming industry has been asked to complete an online survey regarding their use of abattoirs and the importance of their services for farming businesses.

A series of record-breaking Aberdeen-Angus cattle sales has reached new heights, with Netherton Eclipse Z036 setting a breed record for a bull of £65,600.

UK sheep meat production is forecast to grow by 2% in 2025, however, the lamb crop for 2025/26 is predicted to fall by 2% compared to the previous year.