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UK lamb and ewe kill rising
Thursday, 10 March 2022
The latest Defra slaughter data release puts UK lamb slaughter at 864,900 head in February, up 10% on February 2021 levels. January and February 2021 lamb slaughter levels were also revised, increasing from previously published levels, by a combined 50,000 head. However, recorded kill in late 2021 may still be lower than actual kill, based upon data from other sources.
Adult sheep kill for the month stood at 95,900 head, up 10% on-the-year. Recorded adult sheep kill has been at an exceptionally low level since August 2020, as with lamb kill, there are several reasons to suggest it may be higher than has been recorded.
Carcase weights also rose in the month, bringing total production to 20,800 tonnes, 13% more than in February 2021.
Looking into the coming months for sheep meat production, we are likely to see an uptick in demand for cull ewes, with Islamic festival of Ramadan beginning on 2 April. Also in the back end of March demand for Easter lambs will begin, with Easter falling on Sunday 17 April this year. It will be the first Easter since 2019 which won’t be affected by COVID-19.
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