Scottish beef sector warn supplies are under threat

Scottish beef sector warn supplies are under threat

Scottish beef industry representatives have written jointly to Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy, raising their concerns about the prospects for the Scottish suckler beef herd.

NFU Scotland, the Scottish Beef Association (SBA) and the Scottish Association of Meat Wholesalers (SAMW) met in Stirling last week to discuss the issue of the reduction in cattle numbers over the last decade and more.

NFU Scotland Livestock Committee chairman Charlie Adam (left), SAMW president Frank Clark (middle), and SBA president Neil McCorkindale (right).

The number of finished cattle passing through Scottish abattoirs has declined from more than 520,000 cattle in 2005 to under 400,000 in 2017, as part of what has been a long-term trend.

The major factor in this reduction is said to be the challenge of profitability impacting the on-going viability of beef production.

Speaking after the meeting, NFU Scotland Livestock Committee chairman Charlie Adam, a beef producer from Aberdeenshire, said: “Our reputation for quality and our PGI status will play a vital role in leveraging the necessary premium for Scotch Beef over our competitors, but despite that premium being in place for many years, the beef sector has still seen a substantial decline in numbers.

“Therefore, with limited market returns, it is vital that any future support for the sector is developed in a way which enhances production levels of iconic Scotch beef.”

SBA president, Neil McCorkindale, explained that many livestock farmers and crofters are managing to maintain stock numbers only by squeezing the life out of existing assets, leaving them unable to make much needed investment in new machinery, equipment and facilities.

McCorkindale added: “This situation has led to levels of inertia in the sector that discourage young people, and which stands in the way of production and progress.”

SAMW president Frank Clark believes it is obvious from discussion with farming bodies that production-driven support is needed in the immediate future.

Clark adds: “We need an increase in raw material supplies going forward. Otherwise, we will not be able to capitalise as an industry on future sales opportunities.”

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