UK agricultural output price index: calves
UK agricultural output price index: calves stood at 343.84 in Jul 2026, according to GOV.UK official statistics. It is one of the indicators in the Agricultural prices table (Value · Monthly), with a complete series running from Jan 2014 to Jul 2026. The complete series with an interactive chart, free to download.
This indicator in the Agricultural prices table
| Indicator | 07-2026 | 06-2026 | 05-2026 | 04-2026 | 03-2026 | 02-2026 | 01-2026 | 12-2025 | 11-2025 | 10-2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Output price index | |||||||||||
| Calves | 343.84 | 369.97 | 327.78 | 293.63 | 243.6 | 218.61 | 266.26 | 238.1 | 224.87 | 203.35 | |
| Carrots | 138.61 | 159.19 | 162.78 | 129.2 | 128.72 | 111.06 | 100.32 | 99.66 | 106.27 | 103.41 |
Understanding UK agricultural output price index: calves
Young bovine livestock pricing monitors the average slaughterhouse acquisition and farmgate returns for calves sold off agricultural holdings across the United Kingdom. The series records transactions for dairy-bred bull calves, rearing calves, and young animals destined either for specialised beef-finishing units or immediate veal production. Mature cattle and breeding herd replacements are excluded to maintain focus on juvenile bovine stock.
Interpreting the monthly series requires attention to dairy sector culling rates and veal market demand trends that dictate young stock disposal values. Early estimates are subject to regular revision as auction mart returns and private treaty sales data are fully reconciled. Analysts should avoid equating calf prices with finished cattle values, as young stock pricing reflects rearing potential, feed cost expectations, and future beef market outlooks rather than immediate meat yields.
Frequently asked questions
- Are dairy-bred bull calves included in this calf price index?
- Yes, surplus calves from the dairy herd form a major component of the young bovine livestock market captured by this series.
- Does the index cover calves exported live to continental markets?
- Live export transactions are captured where recorded, though the vast majority of UK-born calves are reared domestically for beef or veal.
- Why do calf prices diverge from clean cattle market trends?
- Calf values incorporate future feed cost forecasts and buyer risk assessments over a two-year finishing horizon, whereas clean cattle reflect current meat demand.