Deadweight prime cattle prices increased across all categories in the week ending 30 November, with R4L specification steers and heifers averaging 550p/kg and 547p/kg respectively, and young bulls averaging 521p/kg. The average overall cow price also increased by 4p to 362p/kg. Price increases were recorded in all reporting regions, with the steepest increases in Scotland. Estimated GB prime cattle slaughter decreased by 1% to 33,100 head, while estimated cow numbers increased by 2% to 11,700 head. Deadweight lamb prices also increased for the fourth consecutive week, with the GB new season SQQ averaging 686p/kg. Estimated GB clean sheep slaughter recorded marginal movement, with throughputs back 19% year-on-year due to storm flooding. Retail demand for Christmas 2024 is anticipated to outstrip 2023 by 20%, with meat performance in line with overall growth.