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

15 February 2025 • 4 min read

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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...

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