Search our website enhanced by Google.
UK cattle population drops back in December
Friday, 26 March 2021
By Bronwyn Magee
According to the latest Defra survey, the UK cattle population totalled 9.4 million head as of the 1 December, 1% (93k head) less than the same point in the previous year.
The breeding herd, which accounts for over a third of total cattle, fell by 1% on the year to stand at 3.3 million head, with both the dairy (-1%) and beef (-1%) herd contracting on the year. This continues the long-term trend we’ve seen over the past year, and is in line with our latest beef market outlook.
There were notable declines for both males and females over 2 years old, with the reduction in females over 2 accounting for most of the overall decline. The number of males over 2 years old also dropped back, down 14% (42k head) on the year.
For cattle between 1 and 2 years old, the number of females held steady, while males fell by 2% on the year. The marked reduction in cattle aged between 1-2 years and over 2 old supports the tight supply of prime cattle we are seeing currently.
In contrast, the number of cattle under 1 year old lifted on the year, with the number of females expanding 3% (47k head), while males grew by 1% (14k head).
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.