Angus registrations break record

ABERDEEN ANGUS herd book registrations look set to break the breed‘s record this year, as growing demand and a price premium for some Angus beef continues to attract new producers.

The herd book‘s latest edition shows the number of calves born in Great Britain and Ireland rose to over 9700 in 2003, an increase of 18% on the year.

Breed society chief executive Ron McHattie said: “The popularity of the breed is driven by increased consumer demand and the strength of the Aberdeen Angus brand, one of the strongest in the red meat sector.”

Members of the Waitrose Angus scheme were receiving 225p/kg on Tuesday (Oct 19), while the average deadweight price for an R4L steer in Great Britain for the week ending Oct 15 was 185.1p/kg.

Mr McHattie said he expected the breed‘s popularity to grow. “We feel the Aberdeen Angus female has much to offer beef producers in the post-CAP reform world.”