Livestock Numbers in England Fall to Record Lows
The most recent livestock population survey by Defra reveals significant declines across cattle, sheep, and pig populations in England over the 12 months to June 2024. These reductions highlight the pressures farmers are facing from financial challenges, environmental changes, and market dynamics.
A Decline Across the Board:
Cattle Numbers Shrinking
Breeding cattle numbers have fallen by 2.2%, dropping below 1.7 million—the lowest since records began. This decrease is driven primarily by a 5.1% reduction in beef breeding herds, reflecting how higher beef prices and tightening margins are pushing farmers to cull more animals. The dairy breeding herd, on the other hand, showed greater stability, declining by just 0.6%.
Sheep Numbers at Decade-Low Levels
Breeding sheep have seen a dramatic 5.6% decline to 6.6 million, marking the lowest level since 2011. Farmers, incentivised by higher lamb prices earlier in the year, opted to sell more ewe lambs rather than retain them for breeding. This trend also contributed to a 4.3% decrease in the total sheep population, which now stands at 13.8 million.
Pigs: Mixed Trends in Numbers
The female breeding pig herd decreased by 2.2%, continuing a long-term decline that has seen pig breeding numbers halved since 2000. However, advancements in productivity, such as reduced piglet mortality and higher carcass weights, have helped offset these losses. Overall, the total pig population increased by 1.3% to 3.7 million, driven by a rise in fattening pigs.
Key Challenges Behind the Numbers
The falling livestock numbers reflect ongoing pressures on farmers, including:
- Rising input costs.
- Market volatility in livestock prices.
- The challenge of balancing productivity with financial stability.
The combination of these factors has left many farmers struggling to maintain herd sizes while safeguarding their livelihoods.
A Call for Industry Support
With livestock populations at record lows, the agricultural sector is at a pivotal moment. Farmers require greater support from both the government and the wider industry to manage these challenges and adapt to changing economic and environmental conditions. Collaborative solutions will be critical to stabilising the sector in the years ahead.
How We Can Support Your Farming Business
At Robson Laidler, we understand the challenges farmers face in managing their finances during turbulent times. Whether it’s streamlining your operations, managing cash flow effectively, or planning for the future, our team are here to help.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help you build a resilient and sustainable farming business.