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UK beef production picks up in February
Thursday, 10 March 2022
Beef production in the UK picked up in February compared to last month, driven by higher prime slaughter. However, it remained a touch behind year earlier levels. Beef production was 72,800 tonnes in February, 1,700 tonnes more than in January.
Prices continue to outpace year earlier levels as processors compete for cattle, especially cows; prime cattle are 8% more expensive than they were a year ago, but prices for culls have increased by nearly 20%.
Prime carcase weights were slightly higher than in January (+1.4kg) at 350.8kg, but the increased production really came from higher numbers of prime animals slaughtered. Prime throughput at UK abattoirs was 159,000 head, 7,200 more than in January.
Bought feed is becoming increasingly expensive putting margins under pressure. It is likely feed will be used as sparingly as possible, although this hasn’t yet shown through in slaughter weights. No doubt producers will be looking to turn out animals as soon as the weather allows.
Prices for cull cows have been strong, likely a combination of increasing global prices for beef trim, and tighter domestic supplies. 51,000 cows were slaughtered in February, a similar number to last February, but 3,400 fewer than in January.
In 2022 so far, 144,000 tonnes of beef and veal has been produced, 5% less than at the same point a year ago. Prime slaughter has been 311,000 head, down 6%, and cow slaughter has been 105,000 head, down 2%.
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