February 23, 2012

UK beef production to fall this year

Beef production in the UK will decline by 4% in 2012, to 899,000 tonnes, according to the latest Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) forecasts.

The expected decline in UK beef production for 2012 coincides with a reduction in the cattle herd as at January 2012, which contracted 2% on-year, to 8.43 million heads. The total number of beef cattle fell 2% to 5.16 million heads, while the number of dairy cattle declined by 3%, to 3.28 million heads.

Higher prices in 2011 encouraged producers to cull additional cows and finished heifers, rather than retain them for breeding. The number of beef females fell across all age groups, with the largest decline for beef females between 24 and 30 months of age, down 18%. The number of beef males also reduced, with higher prices, higher feed costs and a trend toward earlier finishing contributing to the herd liquidation.

In contrast, sheep meat production is forecasted to increase in 2012, albeit very slightly, with production anticipated to reach 290,000 tonnes, up from 289,000 tonnes in 2011. A forecast increase in the breeding flock and better conditions at joining mean the number of lambs available for slaughter is expected to increase by more than 1% in 2012.

As a result of rebuilding and a younger flock, the number of adult sheep slaughtered in 2012 is expected to fall by 4%, with a corresponding decline in mutton production. However the increased lamb production is expected to offset the lower mutton volumes.