British beef imports to decline

In a revision of forecasts for 2004, the British Meat and Livestock Commission has predicted a decline of 4% in the requirement for beef imports by Britain, following an increase in home production.

Based on analysis of the December 2003 cattle census, the Commission have revised their predictions for the year to take account of the increase in the number of cattle between one and two years old. As a result, they have predicted a 4% increase in production of beef for the year arising from an increased kill of dairy young bull supplies and the earlier marketing of cattle to take advantage of the slaughter premium which ends on December 31. The total kill is expected to rise by 5%, but the lighter average weight will reduce the increase in volume of beef to 4% for the year.

The indications are that most of this increase will occur in the second half of the year.