NFU Calls for Support for Local Abattoirs Amid Latest Closure
The last remaining abattoir in Hampshire is set to cease trading at the end of January.
The closure of Newman’s Abattoir, an independent family business, is a major blow to livestock farmers across the South and South East and is the latest of several small and medium-sized abattoir closures in recent years.
A new NFU survey of livestock farmers in the South East found many would be forced to cease trading if this trend continues.
Reasons for closures have included lack of labour availability, lack of available investment on infrastructure due to thin margins, increasing costs from waste disposal and red tape.
William Newman, who co-owns Newman’s Abattoir with his brother Robert, which trades as PC Turner and Ockwells Meat Company, said:
“This is a very sad day for us. Our grandfather started this business in the late 1950s.
“We felt we gave a very good and much-needed service to our customers and we are sorry to them that we are closing.
“We will continue our wholesale meat business and send our own animals elsewhere for slaughter. We will support our customers and offer transport where we can to other abattoirs.”