Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

UK Beef Industry Struggles Amid Rising Costs and Uncertainty

10/24/2025

36 4

Summary

Story summary

Beef production in the United Kingdom faces significant challenges from rising costs and declining herd numbers.
Jonathan Chapman, a farmer in the Chiltern Hills, shifted from horses to cattle due to low prices.
Farmgate prices have nearly doubled since 2015, but costs and dry feed pressures bite.
The end of agricultural inheritance tax exemptions adds uncertainty and could curb investment.

1 of 1

Story summary

Beef production in the United Kingdom faces significant challenges from rising costs and declining herd numbers.
Jonathan Chapman, a farmer in the Chiltern Hills, shifted from horses to cattle due to low prices.
Farmgate prices have nearly doubled since 2015, but costs and dry feed pressures bite.
The end of agricultural inheritance tax exemptions adds uncertainty and could curb investment.