MEMBERS NEWSLETTER
How small positive habits can change your life
Winter is often heralded as a depressing time of year, worsened by things like the weather and current events. But it is also an opportunity to start afresh, and I recently attended the AHDB AgriLeader Forum, and came away inspired to implement some of the learnings from the two days in London.
In a time where the beef and lamb prices have lifted, to sit at 620p/kg for prime cattle and 729p/kg for old season lamb, with reports continue to show strength in demand. Things are looking good for those producers who can maximise on it.
But how can we ensure that we remain resilient and grow, in tougher times? The answer is simple, according to speakers at AgriLeader: Mindset. We are only limited by ourselves and our thoughts. The brain processes around 70,000 thoughts at any one time, and apparently most of these are negative, coupled with the fact we’re only aware of around 5% of them.
So our brains are very powerful, and your brain will scan to find evidence to support a certain belief, which informs behaviour and reinforces the thought. But remember, thoughts aren’t facts.
Making positive change
The challenge with farming is that there are routines which need to be followed every day, but the question is – how mentally and physically ready are we for the day?
If you think about what your first thoughts are when you wake up in the morning – are they negative?
Stressful? Have you pressed snooze too many times?
If you’re starting the morning stressed, it will be detrimental to your performance. This is where introducing small positive habits can make a big difference to the trajectory of your day, and your life.
Some 80% of people who own a smartphone check it within 15 minutes of opening their eyes. Being immediately bombarded with information as soon as you wake up isn’t normal human behaviour, so instead of waking up and scrolling – what one positive thing could that be replaced with? Perhaps it’s reading a book or setting some intentions for the day.
Getting out of the comfort zone
Farmers are very resilient and solution-focused, it’s very easy to stay in our comfort zones but compliancy is the thief of progress. Fear of failure, change and judgement will hold people back.
In the book Atomic Habits, it says ‘your life is essentially the sum of your habits’ – you can look at any little choice you’re making every day, and it is shaping your experience of life.
A lot of people say they are held back by time, but five or 10 minutes is better than no minutes. Whether it’s running, reading or self care – small things can benefit your body and your brain. Consider the things you know make you feel better when you do them, but you might not be making time for. Doing these things will sustain high performance, and create a happy and healthy life in the long run.
Success starts with you. Before you can lead a great team you need to think about how much you can give from your tank, which can sometimes be pretty empty – but small positive habits can refill it.
Try it for 21 days, and notice the difference.
So how can we take our farms from good to great?
1.Don’t be afraid to fail – good leaders learn from their mistakes and share them
2.Think about where your autopilot is holding you back
3.Control the controllables – we cannot control the weather, but we can control our reaction to it
4.Don’t be afraid to ask for help
5.Growth happens outside of the comfort zone
6.Small changes lead to big impacts
7.Surround yourself with positive people!
Ruth Wills, AGRIHub Senior PR & Editorial Manager
LAMB & BEEF MARKET
Beef price overview
The cost of beef in the UK has been increasing, with cattle prices in both the UK and Ireland rising by 5% to 20% since July. Cuts such as rump, feather blade, and flat iron have seen the sharpest increases, as consumers turn to more affordable steak options.
Why Are Prices Going Up?
Few cattle available
There are fewer cattle ready for slaughter, which has reduced the beef supply This is due to: Smaller cattle herds caused by changes in farming practices and environmental challenges.
Adverse weather conditions that have made it harder to produce sufficient feed for larger herds.
Farmers Holding Back
Some farmers are delaying the sale of their cattle, betting on even higher prices in the near future. This further limits the current supply, driving prices even higher
Import Challenges
The UK relies on beef imports from countries like Ireland, Brazil, and Argentina However, supply has been disrupted due to: Delays at ports caused by staff shortages and new regulations
Rising shipping costs, driven by higher fuel prices and container shortages. Ongoing effects of Brexit and COVID-19 on global shipping
In summary, the increase in beef prices is the result of several factors: reduced cattle numbers, farmers holding off on sales, and issues with imports With limited availability, prices are expected to remain high until these challenges are addressed
Lamb price overview
Lamb prices have increased by an average of 5% over the past few months, with certain cuts like lamb racks and rumps seeing price hikes of up to 15%. This surge is driven by growing demand, particularly from the revival of the banqueting season. Producers are also working to manage supply across the entire carcass
Why Are Lamb Prices Increasing?
Seasonal Demand for Lamb Lamb prices typically rise around Christmas due to:
Increased Holiday Demand: Premium cuts, such as lamb legs, are in high demand for festive gatherings.
Cultural Significance: In many cultures, lamb is a traditional choice for Christmas and New Year celebrations
Limited Winter Supply: Lamb availability tends to decrease during the winter months, making it challenging to meet the heightened holiday demand.
Focus on Festive Cuts
During the holiday season, producers prioritize popular cuts like lamb legs and shoulders. This focus on high-demand parts often limits the availability of other cuts, adding further pressure to prices.
With more people choosing lamb for festive meals and a reduced supply, prices naturally increase. Retailers and suppliers anticipate this annual surge and adjust pricing to manage the limited availability.
In summary, the seasonal rise in lamb prices can be attributed to strong holiday demand, a smaller winter supply, and the focus on premium festive cuts.
Director Vacancy
With our Annual General Meeting approaching at the end of April, We would like to invite any members who are interested in putting themselves forward as a Director of CQLP to please contact the office
Maximise your Membership
With beef prices at an all time high, now is the perfect time to make the most of the options available to you. Contact the office today to check out the best prices and book your stock
Farmers are stronger together!
