January 26, 2022

1.95 million prime cattle processed in UK last year

A total of 1.95 million prime cattle were processed in 2021 in the United Kingdom, according to a recent report from the UK's Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB),

This is 5% fewer than in 2020. A further 638,000 cull cows were slaughtered, 6% lower than the year before.

Overall, average carcase weights remained relatively stable from 2020, reported Hannah Clarke, AHDB's livestock analyst.

Continuing the trend seen throughout most of 2021, UK beef production in December was restricted by lower cattle throughputs. According to the latest Defra figures, 149,000 prime cattle were processed in December in UK abattoirs, 9% lower than the same month a year ago. 56,300 cows came forwards, 1% more than a year ago.

Lower cattle slaughter and steady carcass weights meant that total beef production reached 69,600 tonnes in December, down 7% on the same month last year.

However, production in 2020 was particularly high, driven by a combination of the pandemic and end-of-year Brexit deadline. Production during December was closer, although still lower than, the five-year average.

- The Cattle Site