The state of UK meat production: trends and factors

Beef production: the decline and its causes

Beef production in July was 70.8 thousand tonnes, down 8% on the same month last year. During the first seven months of 2025, total beef production reached 514 thousand tonnes, also down 5% compared to 2024. Cattle slaughter in July was 161.9 thousand HEAD, down 8% on July 2024. Since the beginning of the year, this figure has decreased by 4% to 1.18 million head.

The main factors contributing to the decline in beef production were limited cattle numbers and difficulties in replenishing stocks. At the same time, according to AHDB estimates, limited cattle supplies helped to maintain prices above last year, despite weakening consumer demand. The average carcass weight of cattle increased to 348.1 kg in July, which may be due to producers keeping animals on fattening longer, waiting for stable prices and affordable feed.

Cow slaughter and its consequences

Cow slaughter in July amounted to 43.6 thousand heads, which is 5% higher than in June, but 8% lower compared to last year. The decrease in the number of cows slaughtered since the beginning of the year by 5% to 320 thousand heads may be due to farmers keeping animals in the dairy herd due to relatively high MILK prices and difficulties in replacing replacement stock. These trends underline the importance of the dairy sector in maintaining the overall cattle population in the country.

Lamb production: growth and its reasons

Unlike beef, lamb production in July amounted to 20.7 thousand tons, which is 10% higher than last year, despite a 10% decrease compared to June. From January to July, total lamb production increased by 4% to 154,700 tonnes, driven by a large carry-over stock of young stock and lambs being brought to market earlier due to poor pasture conditions.

Small ruminant slaughter in July was 892,000 head, down 1% on 2024 but up 3% on the previous year. Average carcass weight fell to 19.8kg as new lambs began to be slaughtered. Ewe slaughter also fell to 110,000 head, suggesting either a continued breeding stock or a continued decline in the national flock, as supported by Defra's December 2024 census data.