Business and Policy October 2026 – Beef

Prime Cattle Prices Rise 

Finished beef prices have increased week on week throughout September, a notable change from earlier in the year. GB prime cattle prices rose by another 4p/kg to 615p/kg deadweight in the week ending 12 September, with prices sitting at 620p/kg/dwt (reducing the year-on-year gap to just 19p/kg) for week ending 19 September. Scottish prices have steadily increased with stronger demand and continued limited availability contributing to prices lifting. For week ending 19 September, Scottish R4L steer price was 644p/kg/dwt (+9.5p from the previous week). At the time of writing prices remain firm with Angus sired cattle +10p/kg.  

The recovery in finished cattle prices between June and September, has helped support returns, after what has been a difficult first half of 2026 for finishers were margins have been squeezed as store prices remain firm while fat prices have slipped. It is anticipated that finished prices will steadily increase in the coming weeks as Christmas demand builds. Seasonally cattle prices rise into the autumn in the run up to Christmas procurement as processors look to secure supplies. 

Heavier Carcase Weights  

While prices remain below the unprecedented high levels of 2025, R4L steer prices have risen by 6% since mid-June, incredibly more than 25% above the five-year average. This recovery is significant when earlier in the year, muted consumer demand, a reaction to the rise in meat prices in supermarkets, alongside reduced demand from catering and hospitality sectors and growing imports impacted returns.    

Of note is that cattle have been heavier in comparison to last year, helping to offset lower p/kg values received by finishers. Scottish slaughter data shows steer carcase weights compared to 2025 have been 2.6% heavier. These increased carcase weights have become increasingly important as finishers battle rising production costs.