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BBC News
7 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Meat costs have rocketed, say Derby food business owners
Restaurants and butchers in Derby say increasing meat prices have resulted in the most challenging conditions since they Steakhouse, based in the city centre, has been running for 17 years but its bosses say they are having to adapt the business in response to soaring Butchers, in Alvaston, said the price of mince had risen by nearly a third comes after the British Retail Consortium (BRC), which represents supermarkets and other retailers, announced that higher beef and fresh produce prices had pushed UK food inflation to an annual high. As well as meat, food prices across the country have increased for business owners and for people doing their weekly prices rose 2.8% in the year to May, the highest annual rate since May 2024 when food inflation was 3.2%, according to the BRC. Farming industry experts said beef prices in particular had been rising due to high demand and low from the Department of Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) showed the total slaughter of cattle and calves from January to April 2025 was 4% lower than the same period in restaurants and butchers, a 350kg prime cattle carcass has also risen by an average of £738 compared to last year, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) to the Association of Independent Meat Suppliers, the price rise across beef and lamb cuts was up 20.96% and 19.92% over the past 12 months. 'Trying to survive' Datsun Li, head chef at Emily's Steakhouse, said the price of beef had "rocketed" in recent months."Steaks are a premium product and our margins have always been quite narrow, but recently when the prices have gone up we have not been able to pass those forward," he said,This has affected the restaurant's business and it is now runnning a booking only service."If we have no bookings this evening we will not open," he said."If there is no other reservations it is not realistic for us to run the place. We are operating on a survival basis."Jack Bradley, director at Cleavers Butchers Ltd, said he had noticed beef is costing him more and more."I would say the price of mince has gone up about 25-30%," he told the BBC."It's one of the biggest increases we've since we've been in charge."Covid was quite bad - I think it was bad for everyone - but then it all came back down. "There doesn't really seem to be an end. Hopefully farmers can make their money, we can make our money and provide a good service for our customers."A Defra spokesperson said: "Our commitment to farmers remains steadfast."That's why this government is investing £5bn into farming, the largest budget for sustainable food production in our country's history, and has appointed former National Farmers Union president Baroness Minette Batters to recommend new reforms to boost farmers profits."
Agriland
14-06-2025
- Science
- Agriland
The potential impact of yellow rust disease on Irish wheat production
The threat posed by yellow rust disease to Irish wheat crops has been characterised as both complex and evolving by Goldcrop cereal variety manager, John Dunne. He explained: 'Up to this point, yellow rust has been a disease with a very clear geographic footprint in Ireland. It impacts, for the most part, on crops grown along the eastern seaboard. 'And there is a very clear rational for this. The attacking fungus prefers regions that are slightly cooler with relatively higher humidity levels. 'In addition, crops grown on these coasts are more predisposed to windborne fungal spores coming across the Irish Sea form Great Britain. 'If sand can be carried by prevailing winds from the North Africa to Ireland then the challenge of fungal spores making their way across the Irish Sea can be put into perspective very easily.' Higher relative temperatures recorded over seven of the last eight months can also partly explain the rise in the threat posed by yellow rust to Irish wheat crops in 2025. Dunne said: 'I have been monitoring three weather Irish stations since last October, and the data generated clearly shows that – January apart – monthly temperatures have been on the rise, year-on-year. 'This set of circumstances has facilitated yellow rust. And it has also increased the Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus (BYDV) threat impacting on cereal crops.' Yellow rust-resistant genes Adding to all of this has been the confirmed breakdown of the Yr15 gene, which up to this point had been delivering a high degree of protection against yellow rust in a number of winter wheat varieties. The issue was first identified by Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) scientists in north-east England earlier this year. Dunne said he has been monitoring that 'fast-evolving situation' ever since, as Goldcrop grows a number of new crop varieties for AHDB at its Irish trial sites 'We now know that the issue of the Yr15 gene breakdown is now a reality in the UK, Ireland, Denmark, and The Netherlands,' Dunne said. 'But this is a very complex issue. Disease resistance can be provided by a single gene or a number of specific genes working in association with each other. 'Plant pathologists at the UK's National Institute of Agricultural Botany are striving to identify what has actually happened with regard to Yr15's interaction with new yellow rust variants.' According to the Goldcrop representative, these recent developments will be of direct interest to plant breeders and the wheat development programmes they follow into the future. 'The yellow rust issue was a major talking point at our recent open days,' he said. Dunne added that as the situation is still rapidly evolving, it is 'still too early to gauge' how it will impact on Irish wheat production. 'But one thing is already clear. There will be an elevated number of yellow rust spores in the Irish environment over the next two years. 'And Irish tillage farmers will have to take full note of this reality as they plan their future crop protection programmes,' the Goldcrop representative added.
Agriland
11-06-2025
- General
- Agriland
‘Strongest set' of oilseed rape pest management strategies released
The further we get into the summer, the warmer temperatures will become, and the higher the risk of pests and diseases among crops. Therefore, farmers need to be diligent in checking for signs of pests and diseases within crops, in order to prevent reductions in quality and yield. With this in mind, the strongest set of cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) management strategies to date has been released today (June 11). The strategies, which were compiled by a large consortium of stakeholders passionate about the future of oilseed rape in the UK, will reduce the risks associated with growing this important break crop, especially when combined. To prepare the strategies, the group evaluated the latest evidence, including data generated by AHDB-funded research. AHDB will continually review the management strategies and adapt them in response to new sources of robust evidence arising from research activities. Sacha White, Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) lead crop protection scientist said: 'The amount of oilseed rape grown in the UK in recent years has fallen sharply, partly due to CSFB pressures. 'However, the demand for oilseeds remains strong and the crop provides good market and rotational opportunities. 'These evidence-based management strategies will reduce the risks associated with the pest and stack the odds in the favour of farmers', she added. Pest management strategies The AHDB has outlined the top ten CSFB management strategies as follows: Ditch the date: Do not stick to traditional calendar dates – sow early or late to avoid the peak migration period, which usually occurs during late August to mid-September. Good establishment: Always wait for adequate moisture before sowing, use the best seed, promote good seed-to-soil contact, ensure adequate nutrition and select varieties with appropriate vigour. Keep your distance: Any distance (space and time) between previous and current crops will improve the chance of success. Improve larval tolerance: Fewer, bigger plants will stand up better to larval attack. Make use of muck: Apply organic materials, which can reduce beetle damage and support crop growth. They have also advised carrying out companion cropping and intercropping, which can shield crops from CSFB, and using sacrificial strips of brassica (e.g. turnip) or oilseed rape volunteer trap crops to lure beetles away. The AHDB also called on farmers to stop using pyrethroids as 'resistance is real and the chemical can harm beneficial insects'. The board recommended cultivating OSR stubble soon after harvest to target emerging CSFB and integrating other tactics to suppress the pest. The management strategies were identified as part of the Oilseed Rape Reboot initiative. Led by United Oilseeds, the initiative established an advocacy group to provide a collaborative path to help UK farmers grow stable and profitable OSR crops.
Irish Independent
10-06-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
British shoppers spending more on beef, but buying less
Spend on beef products increased by 5pc between late February and mid-May compared to the same period last year, due to a combination of a 2.4pc decrease in volumes purchased as well as a 7.7pc increase in average prices paid, according to the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), citing Kantar data. Total primary beef volumes sold to British consumers by supermarkets decreased by 2.5pc in this period. Mince saw a 1.8pc decrease in volumes purchased (-607 tonnes) due to a decrease in shoppers and volume purchased per trip. Diced beef saw volume decreases this period (-4.2pc) due to a decrease in buyers and a decrease in frequency of purchase. Steak also saw a 4pc decrease in volumes due to declines in volumes purchased per trip and number of buyers. Beef roasting volumes saw a moderate increase (+0.4pc). While there is a decrease in frequency of purchase, this was offset by an increase in volume purchased per trip, likely influenced by Easter falling within this period. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume Processed beef saw a 1.2pc increase in volumes purchased year on year. Burgers and grills saw a moderate 0.1pc increase in volumes purchased, likely constrained by a huge 12pc rise in average price per volume. Total added-value products all saw an 8.4pc decrease in volumes purchased this period, driven by the performances of marinades, sous vide and ready-to-cook beef. Marinades saw a 5.1pc volume decrease due to decreases in frequency of purchase and shopper numbers. Ready-to-cook beef volumes declined 2.6pc year on year due to a decrease in shoppers. Meanwhile, the AHDB has also reported that the total British cattle population at April 1 has contracted again to 7.54 million head, down 1.7pc on the previous year. A key driver of this decline was contraction in the beef breeding herd, down 3.4pc from the same time last year. The dairy breeding herd has remained more constant, down by only 0.2 pc from last April. The cattle population available for beef production aged 12-30 months was recorded to be down by 52,000 head (-3pc) compared to April last year, with the biggest reduction being seen in the 18-24 month age group. ADVERTISEMENT Learn more The AHDB said this indicates continued beef supply tightness moving forward, potentially lending support to prices over the next six to 12 months. However, the number of cattle for beef production recorded aged zero to six months has increased by almost 8,000 head compared to April last year, with year-on-year increases in beef animals of both sexes. Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months 'Market signals, such as the exceptionally high beef prices of the past few months, may have encouraged producers to restock over the past six months, supporting this increase,' AHDB analyst Grace Bolton said. However, she said, from the most recent data, it appears that, in the short term, falling GB cattle populations are here to stay, especially influencing the beef supply chain. 'However, the recent record high beef prices may be beginning to support the production decisions of farmers, leading to annual growth in the zero-to-six-month population of cattle available for beef as of April 1. 'The composition of the GB beef herd is also continuing to shift, with breed types changing and dairy beef becoming ever more prevalent as dairy bull numbers continue to fall,' she said.
Agriland
08-06-2025
- Business
- Agriland
UK animal feed output levels up by 1.4%
Figures just published by the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB) confirm a 1.4% increase in animal feed output across the UK. The data covers the ten months up to April 30 this year. During this period, total production of Great Britain's (GB's) animal feed – including by integrated poultry units (IPUs) – has reached 11.4 mega tonnes (Mt). This is up marginally (+1.4%) year-on-year, and up 2.2% on the previous five-year average. The key driver of this climb in feed demand is the cattle sector, and to a lesser extent the sheep sector. Cattle and calf feed demand has seen a 5% rise this season so far, with climbs in both dairy and beef feed production, and improved beef and milk prices supporting growth in 2024/25. Despite a 2.2% increase in total feed production on the back of more competitively priced alternative proteins, AHDB analysts are confirming a lower rate of cereal inclusion this season. As such, total cereals usage (excl. maize used by IPUs) is relatively unchanged on the year (+0.2%). Maize In terms of cereal splits, maize usage has remained firm throughout the season so far, with usage by GB compounders up 37% (109 kilo tonnes (Kt)) on 2023/24 levels. As maize imports were priced competitively earlier in the season, large quantities were bought forward, and as such, firm imports and usage have continued as we head towards the end of the season. In addition, the upturn in maize usage, as well as the lack of domestic supply, has seen wheat used by British compounders drop back 3% (89Kt) year-on-year. Looking ahead for animal feed In the short term, some increase in demand for cereals is envisaged on the back of a more positive cattle and sheep outlook. However, the price relationship between cereals and alternative raw materials will be key to overall usage. Additionally, price movement of imported maize against domestic wheat will be something to watch in the new season beginning in July. Current grain markets Meanwhile, international grain markets have remained in the doldrums this week. Pressure has come from better-than-expected US crop conditions and steady EU export demand. However, Black Sea supplies and any updates on tensions in Ukraine and Russia remain in focus. In addition, 52% of the US winter wheat crop has been rated as being in good or excellent condition, up from 50% a week earlier and above analyst expectations. In terms of development, 83% of the crop has now headed, with harvest well underway in Texas and other southern states. The proportion of the US maize crop rated in good or excellent condition has reached 69% in Monday's report, up from 68% the week before, but in line with expectations.
