Big Decline in UK Beef Supplies By 2010
UK - In their latest quarterly update for July 2009 the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) predicts a significant decline in UK beef supplies in 2010.
10 August 2009
1 minute read
Supplies of beef for the last quarter of this year are predicted to be broadly in line with last year at 222,000 tonnes. So far this year, supplies of bulls and steers have been lower and this trend is expected to continue for the rest of the year. However heifer throughput has been strong and this is likely continue for the rest of 2009.
However these heifer slaughterings point to lower retention of heifers and an overall decline in the breeding herd, which will impact on supplies for 2010 and beyond. As a result, prime cattle numbers are forecast to fall back by 41,000 head to 1,980,000 head next year. Supplies of cows and adult bulls are predicted to fall by 30,000 head. This will see overall production drop 32,000 tonnes to 832,000 tonnes during 2010.
Consumption is predicted to decline by 21,000 tonnes in 2010, with demand for higher value cuts remaining weak while mince sales hold strong.
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