FOCUS ON BEEF Issue 3 Beef Outlook
Despite the better prospects for exports, with production and imports increasing, available supplies on the UK market will again be higher and the year is likely to again be challenging for producers. The year so far has become notable for the focus on specification, whether it be movement, weight, conformation or age. While some finishers may be able to realign their systems quickly, for the majority this will take some time. This issue could well have a knock on impact across the whole sector. Not only will the store trade be influenced by finishers’ decisions but the breeding intentions for suckler producers could come under examination. Beef and veal consumption
2015
2016
2017
Forecast
Forecast
Production
834
908
935
Imports
404
398
380
(Fresh/frozen)
(286)
(295)
(291)
(Processed)
(118)
(103)
(89)
105
137
74
1,168
1,141
Exports Total Consumption
1,134
Source: AHDB Market Intelligence
Managing forage quality
Forage quality is going to be a key discussion point for 2016. There are plentiful stocks of grass silage (clamp and big bale). The main forage focus areas for beef farmers will be energy and protein, as these are key nutrients for growing and finishing. There are big differences between the top and bottom 25%. Understanding forage quality will allow more targeted use of concentrates. 2016 may also see greater use of grazing but beware of grass variability and consistent DLWG. Clamp Grass Silage
2015
2016
Bottom 25%
Top 25%
Dry Matter (%)
31.7
32.7
32.8
33.3
Energy (MJ/kg DM)
10.8
11.0
10.0
11.8
Protein (%DM)
13.3
13.4
12.2
14.4
NDF - fibre (%DM)
53.8
47.6
55.1
Cereals In this issue Beef feed efficiency ForFarmers beef feeds Alternative beef feeds
2 3 4
40.4 Source: ForFarmers
Plentiful supplies of cereals coupled with lower year on year prices means many farms will consider home mixing cereals. This will help to reduce feed costs but it is important to ensure rations are well balanced. Rations will require additional protein, vitamins, minerals and trace elements to meet the requirements of beef animals.