March 3, 2020

Wales reported 0.7% drop in total beef and dairy calves

Data from the British Cattle Movement Service (BCMS) showed total beef and dairy calves in Wales hit 379,800 head in 2019. 0.7% lower compared to the year prior, reported Denbighshire Free Press.

The data registered total calves on a monthly basis, and represents a difficult year for local beef producers coping with low prices in summer and autumn.

Abattoir statistics indicated higher heifer throughput in the UK last year at 3.1% higher year on year, meaning lower breeding numbers are farmers are unwilling to invest in herd expansion.

The data from BCMS also showed better efficiency, sustainability and fewer emissions in the domestic cattle industry. Glesni Phillips, HCC data analyst said cattle registrations in June dropped 3.7% compared to 2018 numbers, possibly due to efficient production.

She said farm-gate prices have gradually recovered, with calf registrations expected to drop again this year due to long-term trends for a declining breeding herd and in Britain. A more balanced supply and demand is projected for the coming year.

She added that uncertainty over post-Brexit trade agreements and changing trading patterns around the world adds to the domestic cattle industry's uncertainty to make an assured forecast.

-      Denbighshire Free Press