Search our website enhanced by Google.
UK beef production strong in February
Thursday, 12 March 2020
UK beef production was 74,900 tonnes in February, according to data from Defra. This is 1.5% higher than a year ago, and mostly a consequence of heavier carcase weights. 163,400 head of prime cattle were slaughtered, 2,000 more than a year ago. 52,100 cows came forward, 1,000 fewer than a year ago.
Carcase weights remain high. Prime cattle averaged over 350kg in February, 2kg more than in January and 2.5kg heavier than February last year. Cows averaged over 314kg in February, 3kg more than in January, and 2.7kg heavier than a year ago. Heavier carcases were one of the reasons behind oversupply in the market in 2019. Despite this, deadweight prices broadly rose throughout February indicating better processor demand. However, prices remain below both last year’s prices and the five-year average.
Population figures from BCMS indicated fewer cattle on the ground on 1 January, and so we are still expecting lower slaughter levels this year. Nonetheless, this has not yet been reflected in throughputs.
Sign up for regular updates
You can subscribe to receive Beef and Lamb market news straight to your inbox. Simply fill in your contact details on our online form.
While AHDB seeks to ensure that the information contained on this webpage is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect of the information and data provided. You are responsible for how you use the information. To the maximum extent permitted by law, AHDB accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused or suffered (including that caused by negligence) directly or indirectly in relation to the information or data provided in this publication.
All intellectual property rights in the information and data on this webpage belong to or are licensed by AHDB. You are authorised to use such information for your internal business purposes only and you must not provide this information to any other third parties, including further publication of the information, or for commercial gain in any way whatsoever without the prior written permission of AHDB for each third party disclosure, publication or commercial arrangement. For more information, please see our Terms of Use and Privacy Notice or contact the Director of Corporate Affairs at info@ahdb.org.uk © Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board. All rights reserved.