April 22, 2025

UK beef production at 224,800 tonnes in Q1 2025

In the first three months of 2025 (January to March), latest data published by Defra has recorded UK beef production totalling 224,800 tonnes, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

The figure represents a decrease of 8,100 tonnes compared to the same period in 2024, a fall of 3.5%.

Prime cattle slaughter for Q1 2025 fell by 14,000 head (2.6%) compared to the first three months of 2024, to total 508,000 head. The latest cattle population data from BCMS showed fewer animals available for beef, indicating tightness in the supply pipeline, which is starting to be reflected in these lower kill numbers. For the same period, average prime carcase weights were slightly down compared to January to March 2024, with a decrease of 1.5 kilogrammes on average.

Cull cow slaughter fell year-on-year in the first three months of 2025 to 155,000 head, down 6,000 head (4.0%). This could be a consequence of favourable milk price to feed ratios in recent months, encouraging cow retention for milk production and therefore reducing available supplies.

- AHDB