October 18, 2021

AHDB: UK cattle supplies remain tighter in June

The number of cattle and calves in the United Kingdom decreased by a further 1% year-on-year to 9.5 million, according to the Defra June survey, said the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

Declines were seen in the majority of cattle groupings.

The breeding herd stood at 3.3 million, 0.9% smaller than the same point a year ago. This was driven largely by contraction in suckler cow numbers, as the dairy herd showed a smaller rate of decline.

Looking at other cattle, the largest reductions were seen in the population of animals aged two years and over. Animals aged between 1-2 years old showed more modest changes, with males declining by 1.6%. Numbers of female cattle in the age group grew by 0.4%, largely driven by a rise in the number of dairy females, as beef females contracted slightly.

The number of cattle aged under one year old grew year-on-year, again mostly driven by increased numbers of dairy female youngstock. This aligns with recent GB data on calf registrations. Beef females posted a more modest increase.

As in the English survey, male cattle are not split into dairy/beef types. However based on recent cattle population and registration data from BCMS, it would be sensible to assume this rise was from beef-type cattle, said AHDB analyst Hannah Clarke.

According to Clarke, the Defra UK data provides a fuller picture of cattle numbers, but tells a similar story to the English data released previously.

Lower numbers of two-plus and 1-2 year old beef cattle agree with more frequent data from the BCMS, which suggests that beef production in 2022 may not see strong recovery, said Clarke.

However, more animals aged under a year old could boost supplies somewhat, later on.
 

- AHDB