British livestock population grows
While the total livestock population has increased by 2%, the increases recorded in the beef sector are well above average, with the exception of male beef animals over two years.
Herd replacements in the beef sector have increased by almost 13%.
Male cattle between one and two years' old are up 6% and cattle under one year old have increased by almost 6%.
Female cattle in the 1-2 year age category have increased by 4%.
There has been a drop in the number of beef animals over two years males down by 21% and females down by 5%.
The decline in the number of beef animals over two years, should impact on beef supplies for the remainder of the year. The British Meat and Livestock Commission is forecasting that prime cattle slaughterings for the first half of this year will be 8% lower than for the corresponding period in 2002.
The lower home supply of beef should be of benefit to Irish exporters into the British market for the remainder of the year, but the extent to which the Irish trade will benefit is being tempered by the competition from cheaper beef imports from South America, which have been on the increase.
Britain has accounted for 55% of total beef export sales over the past year.
On extensification premia, the deadline of Monday next for applications to be returned has been extended for one week to 5pm on Monday, April 7.
