In the food manufacturing industry, there has been a significant impact on sheep and cattle production volumes due to a decline in carcase weights. Recent data reveals that prime lamb slaughterings reached a record monthly throughput of 1.2 million head in March 2023, while prime cattle throughput also saw a year-on-year increase of 1%, totaling at one million head.
However, despite the positive growth in numbers, there has been a notable decrease in the average carcase weight for both sheep and cattle compared to the previous year. The decrease amounts to 0.5kg for sheep and 4.3kg for cattle. Despite this decline, it is worth noting that the current levels are still relatively high, standing around 6% ahead of the five-year average for the corresponding period, as pointed out by Glesni Phillips, the Hybu Cig Cymru-Meat Promotion Wales (HCC) intelligence, analysis, and business insight executive.
This decline in carcase weights has had an impact on the total volume of sheep meat produced. Although there has been a 1% increase compared to the previous year, reaching 141,400 tonnes, the growth rate could have been higher if the carcase weights were not affected. Since the beginning of the year, more than 5.9 million lambs have been processed at UK abattoirs, showcasing a 4% rise from 2022 levels and a 6% increase from the long-term five-year average. Glesni Phillips suggests that this surge in numbers is a consequence of a carry-over of Old Season Lambs into 2023, caused by a dryer summer and higher feed costs in the previous year, which delayed lambs coming forward at the end of 2022.
On the demand side, the market for lamb has shown positive signs. Although New Season Lambs initially had a slower onset, demand surrounding Easter and Ramadan stimulated higher numbers, with June recording well over 1.0 million head. However, the pig market did not experience the same success, as abattoirs reported an 11% drop compared to the same period in 2022, equating to 5.1 million head or 619,300 head. Glesni attributes this decline to a tight supply forecast for 2023, resulting from industry challenges that culminated in the contraction of the UK breeding herd.
In addition to these production challenges, the closure of many smaller abattoirs has raised questions about the meat inspection process in the UK. It is worth exploring whether changes need to be made to support independent businesses, and it is crucial to consider the steps the government has already taken to address this issue.
Overall, the food manufacturing industry has witnessed a decline in carcase weights, impacting sheep and cattle production volumes. Despite this setback, lamb production has shown positive growth, while the pig market has faced challenges. The industry must now address these concerns and find ways to support independent players within the sector.