Welcome to the latest Agri Market Outlook

Our annual agricultural market outlook gives you a snapshot of market conditions and prospects across sectors and key input markets.

Explore what's driving production and demand and what this could mean for your business in the coming year.

Plan strategically, reduce risk, make the most of your resources

Farmers are facing rising input costs, unpredictable weather and fluctuating demand, not to mention the challenges posed by the Budget last autumn. Combined, these factors have caused a decline in farming confidence, which is at its lowest level since 2010. This will potentially stifle investment and affect productivity, resilience and food security.

We also know the opportunities are vast. By understanding market dynamics, you can adapt to seize opportunities, make confident decisions and build resilience into your farming business.

This series of market outlooks covers:

  • Six sectors − pork, beef, lamb, dairy, cereals and oilseeds
  • Three inputs – fertiliser, hay and straw, and animal feed

The reports cover evolving consumer trends, policy shifts and weather impacts. They do not just give you the latest data, they are tools to help you plan, reduce risk and make the most of your resources.

Whether you are deciding when to market your lambs, exploring new options in cereal production or considering adjustments to your dairy herd, these insights can be a valuable part of your toolkit.

We encourage you to use this series not just as a source of information but as a foundation for proactive planning and meaningful conversations – whether with your family, advisers or peers. Farming is never static, and your ability to adapt and thrive is what keeps this vital industry moving forward.

Here’s to informed decisions and a prosperous future.


2026 economic outlook

UK economic growth continues to be subdued, while inflation is expected to ease gradually in 2026. The wider economy will also impact decision-making by farmers and other businesses in the supply chain.

Read our full analysis of the 2026 economic outlook

2026 sector outlooks

Dairy market outlook

Plummeting dairy commodity prices may have found a floor, according to our analysis. Early 2026 has seen positive movements in wholesale markets for skimmed milk powder and cheddar, signalling a potential recovery. 

Find out more in our in-depth dairy outlook

Outlooks for the beef, lamb and pork markets will be published on this page in the coming weeks.

Farm inputs outlook

Market outlooks for animal feed, fertiliser and straw inputs will be published on this page in the coming weeks.


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It should be noted that the information in these outlook reports is based on information currently available but still involves risks, variables and uncertainties. Agricultural markets are highly volatile, often unpredictable, and unforeseen factors can have a major impact on production and prices. Consequently, no guarantee is given to the accuracy of the outlooks, but they are simply put forward as our best estimates at the time of publication.

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