June 17, 2014

Scottish red meat industry generates US$3.39 billion revenue in 2013

According to Quality Meat Scotland (QMS), Scottish red meat industry generated revenue of £2 billion (US$3.39 billion) from livestock farming and processing in 2013 despite many challenges. 

Iain Macdonald, QMS Economics Analyst, said producers had understandably started 2013 on a low ebb after an exceptionally wet 2012.

The harsh weather through to early May in 2013 led to a difficult spring calving and lambing with high mortality. However, feed costs began to decline sharply in the spring of 2013.

"The Scottish suckler herd decreased in size for the third year running in 2013, having reduced by 0.7% from 2012 at 428,500 head," said Macdonald. "Following an increase in 2012, the ewe flock contracted in 2013, with numbers falling two per cent year-on-year to 2.88m head. It was a better year for pig producers with some herd rebuilding and sow numbers rising by nearly 1.5% to 28,500 head."

Tight supplies pushed up prime cattle producers' prices to record levels during the summer of 2013. However, prices softened towards the end of the year with the increase in supplies and fallen demand.