UK beef farmers lose out in 2009

New statistics showed that some UK beef producers were losing up to GBP120 (US$192) per head on average before other costs were considered.

Despite this result, the top 30% of producers are still maintaining good net margins, with only suckler herds in Less Favoured Areas continuing with losses, said EBLEX.

The difference between the top performing herds and flocks and the average is significant, said Mark Topliff, EBLEX economics manager.

There is considerable room for improvement, with typical net margin differences of GBP100-200 (US$160-US$320) a head between the average and the top third of beef businesses, said Topliff.