The NFU Beef group has started the year with their first meeting looking at the challenges facing farmers in the year ahead.
Members also heard from Debbie Butcher, AHDB/Eblex Senior Market Analyst - Sheep and Beef, and looked back at the issues with prices of manufacturing grade beef that were faced in 2013 and continue to be faced in 2014. Debbie updated the group on the expected supply situation in 2014, and the latest figures from census, with fixed costs driving the majority of the difference between the profitability of top third producers and average producers
Bill Mellor, NFU livestock board vice-chairman, who also chairs the BVD stakeholder group, updated the group on his activity and the likely form of a BVD eradication scheme in England, as well as the shape of schemes in Ireland and Scotland. The group was very appreciative of Bill's efforts and his enthusiasm for an eradication program, and will be looking forward to later developments on this important issue.
Closing, Andy Foot, NFU beef group chairman, said “It’s good to start the year on the front foot; with a tight supply situation likely in 2014, we need to make sure that there is a sustainable future for beef producers in the UK, and look now at challenges we may face moving forward
Mr Foot went on to say “With a strong demand for quality beef both domestically and abroad, the prospect of a cross industry database and a national herd that has not seen the larger decline that other nations have, there are many reasons to be positive. It’s undeniable however that with bTB, high input costs and a lack of growth in the suckler herd there will be difficult periods in the future, but by discussing these issues and exchanging ideas within the industry, I am hopeful that they will be overcome.”
The NFU beef group is made up of farmers from around the regions, and meets around twice a year to discuss issues facing the beef industry. To get involved in the work of the beef group, please get in contact with your county adviser for more information.