USDA still predicting beef production of 57.5 million tonnes for 2013
03/05/2013
According to the new forecast, packers will bring to market 57.5 million tonnes of beef and veal. This would represent an increase of 0.5% on USDA’s figures for 2012. It said exports would reach 8.6 million tonnes, which is a decrease on the previous forecast. It said “a more reticent outlook for India” was the main reason for this.
Production in the US will be nearly 11.4 million tonnes, the new report said. This represents an increase compared to the previous forecast, based on heavier slaughter weight expectations. USDA said the weight-gains would “more than offset a reduction in slaughter”.
In Brazil, the production forecast is up to a record 9.5 million tonnes. USDA explained: “Despite a shift of some pasture to soybeans and corn during the current season, herd expansion is bolstered by government support, genetic improvements, better pasture management, sustained cattle prices, excellent pasture conditions, greater supplies of slaughter cattle and strong international demand.”
Its forecast for production in the European Union is higher than in the previous report at 7.7 million tonnes and it said there will also be a slight increase in consumption of beef in the EU this year.
Canada’s production in 2013 is predicted to be 1 million tonnes, a 17-year low. However , there will be increases in Argentina (2.8 million tonnes), Australia (2.2 million), Mexico (1.8 million) and Russia (1.4 million). China’s domestic production is predicted to be 5.6 million tonnes, unchanged from the last forecast.
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