ENCOURAGING signs are emerging that the worst of the red meat processing labour challenges experienced last year may have passed – but expanding kill volumes this year and next may yet see the problem return.
The early stages of 2024 have produced a marked rise in slaughter numbers compared with last year. The first four weeks of processing activity reported by the National Livestock Reporting Service shows kills averaging 12pc higher than the same period in 2023 (adjusted for public holidays).
While cattle supply obviously plays a big part, another factor appears to be improving access…
