UK beef production forecast to fall 5% year-on-year - AHDB
Supply to be a crucial determinant of the market
12 February 2025
2 minute read
By: Overall, 2024 was a strong year for the beef market. The UK produced 934,000 tonnes of beef and veal through the year, up nearly 4% from 2023. Combined with a 5% uplift in beef imports, this contributed to greater supply on the market, according to a recent market report from AHDB.
Despite this, Great Britain's (GB) finished cattle prices continued to set records in 2024. Consumer demand was robust, with slight growth in retail being met with a relatively stable volume through foodservice. Meanwhile exports increased, supported by demand from the continent.
Supply, meaning supplies available for consumption, is a figure based on Production + Imports - Exports. It is not a direct measurement of demand.
Looking to 2025, supply is going to be a crucial determinant of the market. Despite continued reductions in national cow numbers, beef production levels in recent years have been generally supported. Factors including growth in the number of beef cross calves born to the dairy herd, and greater slaughter of heifers and cows, have been key drivers.
Reductions in national production are forecast in 2025, however, following historical contraction in the core supply base and strong production levels in 2024. A range of challenges are impacting beef producers. Factors such as underlying business profitability, declining direct payments and low uptake of new agriculture policy schemes are all discussed in our beef and lamb 2030 series. These factors are all expected to contribute to supply constraints in 2025.
