UK: Uplift in throughput continues to drive sheep meat production

According to latest Defra figures, UK sheep meat production in November totalled 24,400 tonnes, up marginally (+0.4%) versus October production figures. However, compared with last November, production is back 3.9% (1,000 tonnes). Carcase weights averaged 19.7kg for the month, back 200g on October, and 300g down on November last year. Clean sheep slaughter totalled 1.1 million head, up 2.2% (23,800 head) on October, however back 33,200 head (2.9%) on last year. In the year to date (Jan-Nov), 10.9 million clean sheep have been slaughtered, 2.6% (278,000 head) up on the same period last year. Ewe and ram slaughter saw an 8% increase on November last year, with an additional 7,100 head processed during the month. November is historically a quieter month than October for ewe and ram slaughter, decreasing this year by 11.4% (12,300 head). Year to date (Jan-Nov), sheep meat production has totalled an estimated 249,800 tonnes, up an additional 8,200 tonnes (3.4%) on the same period last ...