AHDB Beef Lamb publishes latest yearbook

It provides a broad range of data, including information on production and exports for farmers, auction markets, processors, retailers and other stakeholders.

The book also includes statistics on livestock numbers, consumption, slaughterings, auction markets, abattoirs, livestock and meat prices and carcase classification.

Export volumes of fresh and frozen beef increased six per cent on the year to 112,100 tonnes, amid increased availability, with smaller markets playing a more important role as destinations for product. The year also saw another positive move away from exporting carcases to higher priced cuts, in line with AHDB Beef Lamb’s strategy to fully utilise the carcase and add value to the entire supply chain.

Despite the current difficulties being experienced in the sheep sector, 2014 was generally positive. The yearbook acknowledged the strength of Sterling against the Euro could remain a hurdle to overcome when exporting to the EU, but added that the UK looked well placed to take advantage of expected supply constraints from New Zealand.

Charlotte Garbutt, AHDB head of data and analysis, said: “The beef and lamb yearbook provides valuable insight into key industry trends and statistics for 2014. It is an important reference point for beef and sheep farmers, as well as other industry stakeholders, providing the information they need to support business decisions.”

The AHDB Cattle and Sheep Yearbook 2015 can be found in the markets section of the AHDB Beef Lamb website.