Lamb throughput marginally higher than expected but concerns remain
The latest figures for lambs processed to date were marginally higher than expected, recent processing figures from Defra have revealed, which has been welcomed by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales (HCC). However, the red meat promotion body has raised concerns about the overall declining lamb crop figures.
Whilst the 2023-24 lamb crop was some 6% smaller than earlier year levels according to the June survey, HCC was pleased to note that predictions made in its Between the Lines report – Lamb Supply: Update & Outlook released in February 2024, modestly predicted that total lamb throughput for the 2023-24 lamb crop year would stand at around 11.9 million lambs.
Recently released figures by Defra have revealed that 12 million lambs were processed during the lamb crop year which focused on the period between May 2023 and April 2024 – which is around 1% higher than the HCC predicted level.
The report also estimated that a further 3.6 million lambs remained on the ground for slaughter within the lamb crop year at the time of writing. Defra’s throughput figures for January to April 2024 suggest that a total of 3.7 million lambs were processed during the period, which is some 3% higher than the estimation.
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