Lower throughput sees UK beef production drop back in March

By Bronwyn Magee

According to latest data from Defra, UK beef production was 5% lower in March compared to a year ago.

UK slaughter of prime cattle totalled 175,200 head, 5% (9,100 head) less than the same month a year ago, mainly driven by lower heifer kill (-5%). Steer throughputs also dropped back (-4%), as did young bulls (-8%).

Declines in prime slaughter levels were seen across all countries, with Northern Ireland dropping back most notably, down 11% (3,000 head) year-on-year to 28,000 head. Meanwhile, England and Wales fell by 3% (4,000 head) to 113,000 head, and Scotland declined by 5% (2,000 head) to 34,000 head.

Adult cattle

Adult cattle slaughter declined by 6% on the year in March, totalling 52,600 head. This was driven by declines in cow throughput, falling 7% (3,600 head) year-on-year to 51,200 head, while adult bull slaughter was virtually unchanged at 1,400 head (+1%).

Carcase weights

Prime carcase weights averaged 347.3kg, 1.2kg lighter than a year ago. Both steers and heifers recorded lighter average carcase weights compared to the same month last year, down 2.3kg (-1%) and 2kg (-1%) respectively. Young bulls recorded a 7.6kg (2%) lift in average carcase weight, although this was not enough to compensate for losses in other categories.

Cull cow carcase weights averaged 313.3kg, 4.2kg (1%) heavier than those seen a year ago.

Production

A total of 78,100 tonnes of beef and veal was produced in March, 4,400 tonnes less than the same month a year ago, with less cattle slaughter driving this decline. This is supportive of our latest market outlook, with tighter supplies of cattle resulting in fewer throughputs and lower production.

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