Royal Welsh Show 2014: Beef industry fears as suckler cow numbers drop

Fears for the future of Wales’ suckler beef industry are growing after the country lost 7% of cow numbers in just two years.

On the opening day of the Royal Welsh Show (21 July), NFU Cymru president Stephen James said nearly 17,000 suckler beef cows were lost between 2011 and 2013.

“This reduction, at a time when beef prices have been relatively strong, highlights just how precarious suckled beef production is in Wales,” Mr James said.

“With the peak marketing period for our suckler calves a matter of weeks away, I fear farmers will question their future in producing high-quality Welsh beef if the prices finished producers are currently receiving are passed down to this autumn’s store and calf sales.”

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An independent report into the state of the beef industry, commissioned by Hybu Cig Cymru – Meat Promotion Wales, has shown that farmers are being paid up to £300 less per animal than they were just a year ago.

The initial findings suggest that using future Rural Development Funds to provide targeted support to help maintain suckler cow numbers should be explored.

This approach is being taken in Scotland and Mr James believed extra support for the beef sector could work in Wales, too.

“This programme can be all encompassing, supporting and encouraging improved genetics, disease eradication and capital investment on farm,’’ he suggested.

Red meat prices are set to dominate discussions between the unions and politicians, processors and retailers at the show.

Mr James expressed disappointment that retailers, who had pledged to shorten supply chains and source British produce, were promoting lamb from other countries at a time when Welsh lamb is in abundant supply.

“With nearly five million lambs born every year in Wales, produced to world leading standards and under the coveted PGI badge, I find it incredible that shelf space at this time is given up to imported lamb,’’ said Mr James.