July 22, 2010

British meat output rises in H1

British red meat and offal production increased by 5% in the first half of 2010, compared to a year ago, according to data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Beef and veal production rose by 9%, to almost 460,000 tonnes, with slaughterings up by 5% and prime cattle carcass weights more than 10kg higher, on-year.

"Following the high prices recorded for all classes of store cattle at the spring sales, finishers have taken cattle through to heavier slaughter weights as the finished trade has eased in an attempt to maximise returns from their bought-in cattle," said the Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board's latest report.

Pig meat production increased by 8% over the same period, to 370,000 tonnes. Average carcass weights were about 1kg higher than last year, and slaughterings were 6% up, year on year.