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UK beef production lower in February
Thursday, 11 March 2021
Beef production in the UK was 2% lower in February 2021 compared to a year ago, according to Defra figures.
A total of 73,300 tonnes of beef and veal was produced in February, lower due to fewer cattle slaughterings. Prime cattle slaughter for the month was 1% lower year-on-year at 159,900 head, largely driven by lower steer kill (-2%). Heifer slaughter was also lower in February (-1%), but the young bull kill rose by 3%.
Prime cattle carcase weights were mixed again in February, with heifers and steers on average 0.4% lighter at 330.8kg and 365.5kg respectively. Young bulls on average killed out 3% heavier, at 344.4kg.
Cull cow throughputs totalled 51,800 head in February, marginally lower (-0.2%) than a year ago. Cow carcase weights were on average 0.3% heavier year-on-year, at 315.2kg.
Looking by country, prime slaughter remained virtually unchanged in England & Wales in February at 101,000 head. Scottish prime kill remained higher year-on-year, up 1% at 32,100 head. Northern Irish prime kill continued to be lower year-on-year, down 9% at 26,800 head in February.
Lower cattle slaughter is supportive of our latest market outlook.
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