UK beef and pigmeat production increased in December 2025, while sheep slaughter fell year-on-year, according to Defra’s latest abattoir statistics.

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UK beef and pigmeat production increased in December 2025, despite mixed trends in livestock slaughter numbers, according to the latest figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra).

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Defra reported that prime cattle slaughter (steers, heifers and young bulls) totalled 157,000 head, slightly lower than December 2024. However, beef and veal production rose to 72,000 tonnes, up 2.4% year-on-year, supported by heavier average carcase weights.

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In the sheep sector, clean sheep slaughter declined by 4.1% to 1.07 million head, while mutton and lamb output edged up to 25,000 tonnes, a modest 0.4% increase compared with the previous year.

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Pig throughput strengthened, with clean pig slaughter rising 2.4% to 872,000 head. Pigmeat production reached 82,000 tonnes, up 6.5% year-on-year, reflecting both higher throughput and continued strength in carcase weights.

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Defra noted that slaughter and production data is compiled using Food Standards Agency administrative throughput data alongside monthly slaughterhouse surveys and devolved administration reporting, helping provide consistent UK-wide coverage of meat supply trends.

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Source:Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra)UK livestock slaughter and meat production statistics, This article is a condensed and independently written summary of original reporting and market data from GOV.UK / DEFRA, adapted for Dalytrading.co.uk.

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