The number of cattle slaughtered in the Netherlands was also at a low level in April. Few cows are offered for slaughter all year round. Despite the tight supply, prices were fairly stable.
From weeks 13 to 17, 38.359 cattle were slaughtered. That is an average of 7672 per week. Last year, 45.451 cattle were slaughtered in these weeks, an average of 9090 per week. This means that the number of slaughters this year was 15,5% lower than last year.
Positive dairy trends encourage longer retention of beef cattle
With the exception of the first weeks of the year, few animals are offered for slaughter all year round. Livestock farmers may keep animals that are scheduled to be removed for longer in order to be able to supply extra milk in view of rising milk prices. In the first 17 weeks of this year, 155.756 cattle were slaughtered. That is more than 20.000, or almost 12%, less than in the same period last year. This is also well below the 5-year average.
In addition to the incentive provided by higher milk prices, the average age of dairy cattle in the Netherlands is also increasing. This means less replacement, and therefore less young cattle, is needed. This also gives livestock farmers the space to keep some extra dairy cattle. The sector has heard that this may also explain part of the lagging slaughter figures. However, the decline of 20.000 head is so significant that additional cattle will probably be sold again this year. This will be necessary to stay below the phosphate ceiling. This could lead to a higher number of slaughters later this year.
Prices stable in April
Despite the tight supply of cattle for slaughter, prices for cows for slaughter were stable in April. It should be noted that the quotations had already risen considerably in February and March. Sausage cows of both first and second quality achieved a plus of €15 at the Leeuwarden cattle market in week 0,05. First quality cows achieved €2,58 and second quality cows €2,38.