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GB cattle populations fall for the tenth consecutive year
Thursday, 6 March 2025
The most recent update of BCMS data shows a continuation of many of the trends we have seen over the last ten years. These include; the decline in overall cattle numbers, an increased proportion of dairy beef, and a marked reduction in the number of dairy bull calves born in Great Britain.
Key points:
- The overall GB cattle population is continuing to contract - standing at 7.5 million head, 153,000 head below last year levels, at 1 January 2025.
- The beef breeding herd is declining at a faster rate than the dairy breeding herd.
- The profie of beef supply continues its shift towards a greater proportion of dairy beef.
Population
As of 1 January 2025, the total GB cattle population stood at 7.5 million head, a 2% (152,000 head) decrease from January 2024. The shrinking beef herd is mostly responsible for this level of contraction.
Indeed, the beef breeding herd (females over 30 months) showed a 4% drop in numbers, compared to the same time last year (at January 2024). Conversely, the dairy breeding herd only demonstrated a 0.2% (3,000 head) decrease in numbers compared to year earlier levels.
GB Breeding Cattle population as of 1 January
Source: British Cattle Movement Service, AHDB calculations.
Cattle available for beef production
Looking at the number of animals available for beef production (beef males and females + dairy males), we see the largest year-on-year contraction in the 6–12-month age group, down 4% year on year. This reflects the lower registrations seen throughout last year.
There has been a slight uptick in the 0–6-month age group, compared to year earlier volumes. This is due to higher registrations in August 2024 after low 2023 registrations, indicating a return to the norm rather than a significant increase in calves on the ground.
As discussed in the 2025 Beef Outlook, when these lower populations feed through the system, we can expect greater pressure to be placed on supply, supporting prices in the coming years as long as demand remains consistent.
Year-on-year change in number of cattle in GB 1 January 2025/2024
(data includes beef animals + dairy males)
Source: British Cattle Movement Service, AHDB calculations.
Registrations
Turning to calf registrations, alongside showing a 2% (47,000 head) overall reduction in registrations, the full year 2024 dataset illustrates further shifts in the types of cattle on the market.
Suckler beef registrations continue to decline, falling by 5% in 2024 compared to 2023. However, beef calf registrations to dairy dams increased by 4.1% on the year in 2024.
Registrations of dairy male calves were once again down significantly (by -13%) indicating changing industry practices such as the greater utilisation of sexed-semen and beef sires in the dairy herd. As a result of this trend, dairy beef continues to make up a growing proportion of the UK beef supply.
GB Calf registrations by dam type 2024
Source: British Cattle Movement Service, AHDB calculations.
Key breeds
In terms of prominent breeds of cattle, the full year 2024 data displays that there has also been movement in the top ten most common beef breed registrations.
Continental breeds have seen a decline in registrations mirroring the overall reduction of suckler-beef in the system. Meanwhile, native breeds such as Aberdeen Angus and Herefords have seen marginal increases in registrations, from both the suckler and dairy herd.
This, combined with the 29% increase in Wagyu Cross calf registrations, mirrors the trend in dairy beef growth and could indicate a scaling-up of integrated dairy beef schemes.
Top ten most common beef calf registrations 2024
Source: British Cattle Movement Service.
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