British beef output in decline

Marts: Demand for Irish beef in Britain looks set to remain strong after production figures for Britain confirmed a lower output for the year.

The British Meat and Livestock Commission has projected a decline of 4% - equivalent to 40,000 tonnes - in beef production for 2006 on the basis of the December 2005 cattle survey results which has shown that the total cattle population has dropped by 2.6%.

The omens have brightened for Irish exports with the MLC expecting that supplies will reach their tightest from Autumn 2006 onwards, which corresponds to the peak output season for Irish production. The improved market environment will be dependent on the restrictions of South American beef continuing beyond the late summer.