Real cost of cattle and sheep production revealed

UK - The true cost of producing beef cattle and sheep on English farms was revealed today (Friday) in new costings data published by the English Beef and Lamb Executive (EBLEX).
calendar icon 24 November 2006
clock icon 2 minute read

With the support of the industry, the 2005/2006 farm costings data contained in the latest edition of EBLEX Business Pointers does not include the Single Farm Payment, and also incorporates a number of non-cash costs.

Taking these elements into consideration, the statistics show that average beef producers are making a loss of between £74.37 and £425.39 per head and average sheep producers are losing between £2.45 and £49.25 per head.

EBLEX Chief Executive Richard Ali said: "These figures make for uncomfortable reading, but are the first to treat the farm business on the same financial footing as any other business.

"EBLEX firmly believes these figures provide a sound starting point for everyone involved in the industry to understand what needs to happen to achieve a more sustainable future for the beef and lamb sector."

Mr Ali stressed that although a sustainable future was not just about price, retailers could play their part in building a profitable supply chain: "Consumers have sent clear signals that they want to buy quality, home - produced assured beef and lamb.

"Ensuring that product is clearly differentiated on retail shelves is vital both to help shoppers to make informed choices and ensure the much talked-about reconnection of the beef and lamb chain really does happen - because the reality is that imported meat does not help maintain the English countryside."

Source: farminguk.com

© 2000 - 2024 - Global Ag Media. All Rights Reserved | No part of this site may be reproduced without permission.