Blog > Investments

Cattle and sheep market. Beginning of 2025

This article analyses recent trends in cattle and sheep prices, based on updated data from February 2025, and explores the challenges and opportunities for the livestock sector.

Cattle Ranch Prices

The cattle market features several categories that affect prices, including steers, cows, and heifers. According to the most recent report (February 2025), average prices in dollars per kilogram have shown minimal variation between weeks. Some key data are highlighted below:

Live steer: USD 2,310/kg (+2,2% compared to the previous week).
Steer on 4th scale: USD 4,238/kg (+0,7%).
Live cow: USD 1,910/kg (-0,2%).
Cow on 4th scale: USD 3,857/kg (-0,6%).
Heifer on the hoof: USD 2,203/kg (-2,2%).
Heifer on 4th scale: USD 4,122/kg (-1,7%).
These figures reflect a relatively stable market, with slight weekly fluctuations. Steer meat remains the category with the highest sales volumes, confirming its central role in meat production.

Sheep Farm Prices

The sheep market has also seen price fluctuations, especially in the lamb and sheep categories:

Lamb on the hook: USD 4,372/kg (+2,2%).
Free-range lamb: USD 4,370/kg (+2,2%).
Sheep on the hook: USD 3,340/kg (-0,9%).
Lamb prices have shown a significant increase, which could be related to seasonal demand or a lower supply of animals ready for slaughter. In contrast, sheep prices have fallen slightly, suggesting less market interest in this category in the short term.

Factors Impacting Livestock Prices

The variation in livestock prices is due to a series of factors, including:

Climate conditions: Periods of drought or excessive rainfall can affect the availability of pasture and, consequently, the quality of livestock.
Cost of inputs: Rising animal feed and health costs directly impact livestock prices.
International market demand: Meat exports, especially to key markets such as China, the European Union, and the United States, influence pricing.
Government policies: Trade regulations, subsidies, and health restrictions also play an important role.

Challenges and Opportunities in the Livestock Sector

The livestock sector faces multiple challenges, but also opportunities to improve its competitiveness and sustainability:

Environmental Sustainability: Reducing the carbon footprint of livestock production is a priority. Regenerative grazing systems and the integration of technologies such as methane emissions measurement are some of the strategies underway.
Genetic improvement and production efficiency: Genetic selection and efficient feed management can increase productivity without increasing environmental impact.
Certifications and added value: Consumers are increasingly interested in certified products such as organic meat, antibiotic-free meat, or meat with guaranteed animal welfare.

The cattle and sheep market is dynamic and subject to multiple factors that influence prices. While steers remain the main player in cattle sales, lamb prices have increased. For producers, it is essential to stay alert to market trends, innovate in sustainable practices, and improve production efficiency to remain competitive.

FAQ

Why do cattle prices fluctuate every week?

Cattle prices depend on factors such as supply and demand, weather conditions, input costs, and fluctuations in international trade. The purchasing decisions of meatpacking plants and the availability of animals ready for slaughter also influence these factors.

What does "4th scale" mean in cattle prices?

The "4th scale" refers to a weight and quality category of cattle at the time of sale. In cattle, a 4th scale steer is one that has reached an optimal weight and grade of finish for slaughter. In sheep, the concept is similar for lamb on the hook.

How can livestock farmers improve the profitability of their production?

Some strategies include genetic improvement of the herd, efficient pasture management, the use of technology for livestock monitoring, and the adoption of more sustainable production systems. It is also key to diversify markets and seek certifications that add value to the meat produced.