October 21, 2022

UK beef production in September slightly declines

Data from UK's Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) showed 73,400 tonnes of beef and veal were produced in September 2022, 1.3% down compared to August but 0.5% up year-on-year, the UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board reported.

Production of beef and veal in the UK has reached 665,200 tonnes so far this year (Jan-Sept), only slightly less than it did during the same time last year.

In total, 160,600 prime cattle were butchered in September, while 59,700 cows were also butchered. Prime cattle slaughter increased by 1% (1,500 head) compared to September 2021, while cow throughput increased by 6%. (3,500 head). Prime cattle slaughter totals for the year are similar to what they were at this time last year, while cow slaughter totals are up 3%. Despite the rises, pre-pandemic levels and the 5-year average are still not reached in terms of total slaughter numbers.

The higher slaughter rates have been partially offset by a slight easing of carcass weights for prime cattle and cows in September, keeping total production essentially flat.

Prime cattle carcasses averaged 341 kg in the month, down 4.3 kg from September of last year and 1.7 kg from August. Average cow weights decreased as well, falling 6.1kg (2%) from September of last year and 5.5kg (1.8%) from the previous month. This year, carcass weights have generally been lower, possibly as a result of the high cost of feed having an effect on both the time spent on the farm and the finished weight.

-      UK Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board