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Higher slaughter boosts March beef production
Thursday, 16 April 2020
By Hannah Clarke
UK beef production totalled 82,200 tonnes in March, according to the latest data from Defra. The figure is 8% (+6,300 tonnes) above the same month last year.
A total of 183,500 prime animals were slaughtered in March, up 10% (17,000 head) on a year ago. Cow slaughter remained relatively steady on the year, up 200 head to total 54,400 head.
Carcase weights for March have remained relatively steady year-on-year. Prime animals averaged 348.6kg, 1.5kg lighter than February but 1.1kg heavier than March last year. Average cow carcase weights have fluctuated slightly more, averaging 309.8kg, 4.5kg lighter than February but 2.6kg heavier than last March.
Despite increased production and slaughter, deadweight prime prices held throughout March, even creeping above last year’s price towards the end of the month. Prices were still below the five-year average, but rose gradually, closing the gap as the month progressed. However, the market adjusted in the latest week, as processor returns from cattle are suffering.
Cattle slaughter so far in 2020 has exceeded our forecast. However, our existing forecasts were produced prior to the demand and price effects of COVID-19, and so should now be read in that context.
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