REUTERS — A report issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service in Ottawa sees Canadian cattle and hog herds contracting next year.
“The Canadian cattle herd is forecast to sustain the long-term trend of contraction in 2024,” it said.
“Drought impacts will see cow and heifer slaughter increase proportionally to herd size in 2023, limiting any growth potential.”
As a result, the report added, herd size and beef production and exports will all be reduced.
“The Canadian swine herd is also forecast to contract in 2024 as sow barns are idled and processing capacity is removed in Eastern Canada,” it said.
“A smaller sow herd will see a smaller pig crop in 2024, and live exports will lower from 2023. Increased domestic consumption of pork will carry over into 2024. Pork export volumes will be lowered.”
