The April Market Bulletin considers the productivity and efficiency of the suckler herd in Wales.
Key points:
- The reproductive efficiency of a suckler herd is fundamental for profitability and environmental efficiency. Recent data shows there remains scope for improvement in order to reach the industry’s desired targets:
- the average calving interval for beef dams in Wales in 2025 was 425 days – an increase of five days compared to 2024, and the longest interval recorded since 2020 (BCMS);
- the average age at first calving in 2025 stood at 980 days (32.2 months) – which is a notable improvement compared to pre-2020 levels (BCMS), but slightly older than the year previous.
- On-farm cost control and efficiency are also key drivers of profitability within Welsh suckler herds and data shows a significant gap between the top and bottom performers. In 2024/25, the percentage of total costs covered by market returns of average performers was 96.6% compared to 150.1% for the top third and 68.3% for the bottom third (FBS data).
- In the long term, producers who can consistently optimise herd performance are likely to be better positioned to remain resilient in the face of ongoing economic and policy pressures.
For the full analysis, click HERE to read the Market Bulletin for April. It also includes a monthly market round-up on recent prices for cattle, sheep and pigs.
