UK Agricultural News: September 2024 Update

As we enter September 2024, the UK agricultural sector faces a mix of challenges and opportunities. From harvest results to ongoing debates about disease control, let’s explore the latest developments shaping British farming.
Harvest 2024: Results and Market Impact
The 2024 harvest season has been a topic of intense interest for farmers and consumers alike. While official data is still being compiled, early reports suggest a mixed picture across the country. Farmers Weekly has been actively collecting harvest photos from across the UK, providing a visual snapshot of this year’s yields.
Winter barley harvest is now 85% complete, ahead of the normal pace, and oilseed rape harvest is 73% complete, also ahead of the five-year average
However, yields are generally trending down on the previous five-year average for both oilseed rape and winter barley. Early yield indications vary greatly, with better yields seen in the East of England, while the East Midlands saw the greatest fall on average yields so far

Agricultural Auctions: Current Trends and Prices
Agricultural auctions continue to play a crucial role in the UK farming economy. Recent trends indicate that wheat markets have enjoyed a buoyant start to September. Which in turn has meant Farmers have been particularly interested in livestock and machinery auctions. In the meanwhile however, Russian wheat prices remain close to their lows, below $220/t FOB, as the world’s largest wheat exporter continues to dominate trade.
This has implications for UK farmers, as global price trends can affect local market conditions. Barley markets have been very quiet this week, with farm sales slowing down following the harvest movement period.
Meanwhile, rapeseed markets have been extremely volatile over the past week.
The biggest story of the harvest week, however, was news that China would be launching an anti-dumping probe on imports of canola (OSR) from Canada.
At the Auctions
Cattle Prices
In September 2024, the UK cattle market has seen significant changes compared to the same period in 2023. The annual price index for cattle increased by 8.7% in 2023 compared with 2022, reflecting a trend of rising prices. In the week, 1st September Borderway Mart reported : 28 Butchers cattle selling over £2000 and 15 selling over £2200 to a days top of £2460.54 for an 847kg quality Limousin cross steer. While in the East Midlands Melton Mowbray Market reported similar quality stock to £3.11 pence per kilo or £2003.
This upward trend has continued to be driven by tight cattle supplies and strong demand. For instance, Similarly, 500- to 600-Kilo feeder steers were being priced at about £140 per cwt in late August 2024.
Sheep Prices
The annual price index for sheep increased by 1.0% in 2023 compared with 2022. This modest increase suggests a relatively stable market for sheep, with prices likely reflecting consistent demand and supply conditions. The latest data for 2024 indicates that this stability has continued, with no significant fluctuations reported.
Pig Prices
Pig prices have seen a substantial increase, with the annual price index for pigs rising by 23% in 2023 compared with 2022.
This sharp rise is attributed to various factors, including increased feed costs and supply chain disruptions. As of September 2024, pig prices remain high, continuing the trend from the previous year.
Other Livestock
Other livestock categories, such as poultry and eggs, have also experienced price changes. The annual price index for eggs increased by 35% in 2023 compared with 2022, while poultry prices contributed 1.8 percentage points to the annual inflation rate for agricultural outputs

These trends are expected to persist into the last Quarter 2024, With Many high street Butchers reporting a surge in demand once the end of August pay packet hit the doorstep together with wider market forces driven by ongoing supply chain challenges and rising production costs.
Agricultural Machinery Prices Worldwide: September 2024 vs. September 2023
New Equipment Prices
The global market for agricultural machinery has seen varied trends over the past year. New equipment prices have been relatively stable, with the price index for new farm equipment trending sideways
This stability is expected to continue into 2024, with no significant price increases anticipated.
Used Equipment Prices
The used equipment market has experienced more dynamic changes. Inventories of used big tractors with more than 300 horsepower have increased by 85% compared to a year ago, leading to a decline in auction prices. Auction values for 100-300 horsepower tractors have risen by less than 1% year-over-year, while inventories have increased by 36-37%. This indicates a softening market for used equipment, with growing inventories putting downward pressure on prices.
Regional Variations
Auction values for combines have been driving lower this fall, at least regionally. This regional variation highlights the importance of local market conditions in determining equipment prices. Dealers are also adjusting their expectations, with 48% anticipating declining revenues from 2023-24, while 31% expect growth and 21% foresee no change
Market Outlook
Overall, the agricultural machinery market is expected to remain relatively stable in terms of new equipment prices, while the used equipment market may continue to experience price declines due to increasing inventories and softer demand. This outlook suggests that farmers looking to purchase used equipment may find more favourable prices in the coming months.
Conclusion
The UK livestock market has seen notable price increases across various categories, particularly for cattle and pigs, driven by tight supplies and strong demand. In contrast, the agricultural machinery market has shown stability in new equipment prices but a softening trend in used equipment prices due to rising inventories.
Bluetongue Threat: Latest Developments and Preventive Measures
The agricultural community is on high alert as the first case of bluetongue virus BTV3 in the 2024/25 vector season has been detected in England. The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is urging farmers to remain vigilant and implement preventive measures. Key recommendations include, sourcing animals responsibly and maintaining vigilance for signs of the disease

Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a notifiable exotic disease transmitted by midge bites and affects cows, goats, sheep, and camelids such as llamas. There are currently no authorised vaccines available for this serotype of the virus (BTV-3). However, Defra’s Secretary of State has permitted the use of three unauthorised BTV-3 vaccines within the United Kingdom, subject to licence
Badger Cull Controversy: Government Stance and Scientific Debate
The badger cull remains a contentious issue in UK agriculture. Despite plans to phase out the cull, recent developments have reignited the debate:
1. Government Position: The current administration has overturned plans to end the badger cull, citing the need for continued disease control in high-risk areas.
2. Scientific Controversy: Natural England’s CEO and Chair have reportedly overruled their own scientific advice regarding the efficacy of supplementary badger culling. This decision has sparked criticism from environmental groups and raised questions about the scientific basis for continuing the cull.
3. Labour Party Stance: The opposition Labour Party has adjusted its position, stating that they would allow existing culling licenses to run until their expiration in 2026, rather than ending the cull immediately if elected.
4. Effectiveness Debate: Recent studies have presented conflicting evidence on the cull’s effectiveness. While some reports suggest a 56% reduction in bovine TB rates in culled areas, other research indicates that culling may have increased the risk of bovine TB in neighbouring herds.
5. Alternative Approaches: There’s growing interest in badger vaccination programs as an alternative to culling. Recent research published in the British Ecological Society journal has explored farmer-led badger vaccination initiatives.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/
Other Significant Agricultural Issues in September 2024
1. Egg Labelling Changes: In response to avian influenza outbreaks, egg producers and packers will no longer need to change how eggs are labelled during an outbreak.
2. Dairy Industry Updates: Arla Foods has reported a net profit of 167 million for the first half of 2024, indicating positive developments in the dairy sector.
3. Organic Farming: Organic Herd has announced a 2ppl increase in its member milk price effective from October 1, 2024, potentially signalling growth in the organic dairy market.
As the UK agricultural sector navigates these complex issues, farmers, policymakers, and consumers alike will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold throughout the remainder of 2024 and beyond.