Finished cattle supplies to drop 8%
Figures from the Cattle Movement Monitoring System (CMMS) for 2004 show the number of male animals in the 12-24 month category at the end of 2004 was 74,000 head lower than a year earlier. The number of heifers in the same age category was up 4,200.
The intake of bullocks at the beef factories to date is down 8% - a drop of 36,000. Based on CMMS figures for the national herd a continuation of the same pattern is being predicted to the end of the year, which would result in a drop of 38,000 head in bullock supplies for the balance of the year.
While the downturn in supply would normally contribute to stronger demand and firmer prices to suppliers, the effect this year may be less obvious if the current difficulties in the demand for beef continues through autumn with large supplies of Irish beef destined for British and continental EU markets being displaced by imports from South America.
Those monitoring the beef export trade will be closely watching the outcome of the UK Food Standards Agency Meeting on August 15 which could determine an outline date for the lifting of the ban on over 30 months animals in Britain. The meeting will consider the findings of the Independent Advisory Group, EU Food and Veterinary Office and the feedback from public meetings. All elements of a testing regime for OTM animals will also be discussed.
If the findings of the Food Standards Agency is positive towards a lifting of the ban - and introduction of testing for OTM animals as in this country - the matter will come before the ministers next month.
