The December 2025 Market Bulletin examines the recently released UK June survey results for 2025. It also considers how livestock numbers may affect supply further down the line.
Key points:
- The data indicates continued tightening across the UK’s red meat herd and flock, with lower breeding numbers and reduced young-stock levels signalling constrained domestic supply ahead.
- The total number of cattle and calves in the UK decreased by 1.3% (120,000 head) on the year (DEFRA).
- The beef breeding herd is the smallest on record – with a 1% reduction in numbers on the year – and is 18% smaller than in 2015.
- The total UK sheep and lamb population contracted by 1.7% to 30.5 million head (DEFRA). The decrease of 533,100 head on the previous year marks the smallest flock size on record since the June survey began recording in 1984.
- However, sheep intended for first time breeding recorded a notable increase of 6% on the year, which could potentially indicate an increased number of replacements entering the breeding cycle and support a larger lamb crop next year.
- The UK pig population stood at 4.7 million head - a 0.5% increase from 2024.
- June 2025 survey results for Wales are as follows:
> Cattle & calves = 1.1 million head (-1% on the year)
> Sheep & lambs = 8.8 million head (+1% on the year)
> Pigs = 28,050 head (+1% on the year)
For the full analysis, click HERE to read December’s Market Bulletin. It also includes a monthly market round-up on prices and throughput of cattle, sheep and pigs.
