EU cattle herd growth unrealistic - USDA

Despite falling beef production, the EU became a net exporter in 2020

With the reduction in the cattle herd, beef production is forecast to fall. File Picture.  

The EU dairy herd is shrinking (except for Ireland) because of increasing efficiency, while the EU beef herd is shrinking (except for Central Europe) due to unprofitability, according to US Department of Agriculture analysts.

On the other hand, their latest EU livestock report notes that the pig sector is breaking records, with unprecedented pork production and exports in 2020, and a new production record forecast for 2021.