Meat production up by more than 5% in Wales

Total sheep slaughtering in Wales in 2011 stood at 3.8 million — 5 per cent higher than the previous year – while beef cattle slaughterings were also up at 158,000 head, 8 per cent higher than in 2010, and pork production increased by 6 per cent to 37,000 head.

“Excellent seasonal conditions contributed to increased sheep production during 2011, and the record prices recorded for much of the year encouraged the marketing of stock,” says John Richards, HCC’s industry information officer.

“Despite the increased production numbers the breeding flock is also expected to expand as a result of increased ewe lamb retention.”

GB lamb prices averaged 193.3p per kg in 2011, an increase of almost 20p per kg or 11 per cent over the previous year.

In the UK as a whole, total red meat production in 2011 was almost 5 per cent higher than the previous year, hitting 2.03 million tonnes.

In the beef sector, carcase weights were down by 1 per cent for both prime cattle and cull cows, but production was up due to the increase in slaughterings.

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