The latest figures from meat promotion body Hybu Cig Cymru show Lamb and Beef production in Wales increased during 2011, mainly due to “excellent seasonal conditions.”

Defra figures released by HCC show that in 2011, 3.8 million sheep were slaughtered in Wales, a 5 per cent increase on 2010 figures. Beef production in Wales was also up at 158,000 head, 8 per cent higher than the previous year and pork production rose to 37,000 head, an increase of 6 per cent.  

John Richards, HCC’s industry information officer, said, “Excellent seasonal conditions contributed to increased sheep production during 2011 and the record prices recorded for much of the year encouraged marketing of stock.”

The Welsh breeding flock is also expected to expand on increased demand for lamb and continued profitability of wool, which has resulted in higher ewe lamb retention, according to HCC. Lamb prices are 11 per cent higher than 2010 levels, at 193.3p per kg.

Figures for the UK as a whole show total red meat production was 5 per cent higher last year than in 2010. The government has recently announced measures to help producers in the UK find export markets to promote Caroline Spelman’s “made in Britain brand.”

Welsh meat currently enjoys a lucrative market in the Middle East. The country is the largest exporter of sheep meat to countries outside of the EU.

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