UK Census Results for Livestock

October 23, 2014 12:00 am

Last month we reported on the June Survey of Agriculture for England.  DEFRA has now published its provisional figures for the UK.  The key results for livestock are summarised in the table below.  The final results will be available on 18th December.  As Wales do not release provisional figures, the Welsh 2013 results have been used to give a provisional UK-wide 2014 figure.

UK JUNE CENSUS (LIVESTOCK)

 

AREA – ‘000 Ha

2011

2012

2013

2014

% Change 13-14

TOTAL CATTLE & CALVES

9,933

9,952

9,844

9,829

-0.1%

Of which      Total Breeding Herd

3,489

3,463

3,393

3,406

0.4%

                      Dairy Herd

1,814

1,796

1,782

1,828

2.6%

                      Beef Herd

1,675

1,666

1,611

1,578

-2.1%

TOTAL SHEEP & LAMBS

31,634

32,215

32,856

33,428

1.7%

Of which      Breeding Flock

14,868

15,229

15,561

15,515

-0.3%

TOTAL PIGS

4,441

4,481

4,885

4,820

-1.3%

Of which      Breeding Herd Total

432

425

421

407

-3.2%

Source: DEFRA  

The figures show the total number of cattle and calves in the UK was almost the same as year earlier levels.  The breeding herd halted its decline, increasing marginally although this was entirely down to the dairy herd.  Whilst the beef herd continued its decline, the dairy herd recorded a year-on-year increase of 2.6%; the first rise since 2005.  This is more than likely in response to the strong prices and the confidence in the sector in 2013, whether the increase continues under the current conditions remains to be seen.  If the milk price continues to fall this may see numbers declining again.

All categories of pigs have recorded a fall in numbers.  Both gilts in pig and gilts intended for first time breeding have recorded a large drop; -13.2% and -7% respectively, meaning any recovery of breeding numbers in the short term looks unlikely. 

The sheep sector has shown a marginal decline in breeding numbers after it had been recovering.  The UK breeding flock fell by 0.3% compared to 2014, perhaps reflecting the lower prices being received by the sector in comparison to recent years.  Ewes intended for first time breeding also show a fall in numbers by 3.4% perhaps showing a drop in optimism in the industry.  Lambs under one year recorded an increase in numbers reflecting the better lamb crop in 2014 compared to year earlier levels when poor weather at tupping and lambing time affected numbers.

Categorised in: