UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Fall
UK Cattle and Sheep Numbers Continue to Decline, Defra Survey Shows
The UK’s cattle and sheep populations continue to contract, reinforcing concerns over long-term livestock availability, according to the latest analysis from AHDB based on Defra’s June 2025 survey.
The total UK cattle herd fell by 1% year on year to 9.29 million head, with a sharp 4% reduction in the suckler herd only partially offset by a 1% increase in dairy cow numbers. The continued decline in beef breeding animals is adding to pressure on future prime cattle supplies.
The sheep sector shows a similar trend. The UK sheep flock fell by almost 2% to 30.48 million head, while the number of lambs under one year old dropped to its lowest level since 1984. AHDB notes that this decline in younger stock has significant implications for lamb availability and throughput in the years ahead.
Source article: AHDB | 18 December 2025
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