Meat and dairy production in the European Union is expected to decline this year and next as livestock farms feel the effects of drought, disease outbreaks and rising costs, the EU’s executive said Oct. 5.
A historic drought in Europe this summer has reduced availability of grass and grain to feed herds, increasing costs for farms also facing soaring energy and fertilizer prices.
Signs of dwindling livestock output have led farming groups to warn of tight supplies that could exacerbate food inflation.
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EU milk production is projected to fall 0.5 per cent this year, with reduced forage supply encouraging some farmers to cut herd sizes. Hot, dry weather also reduced cows’ milk yields, the European Commission said in a short-term agriculture outlook.
The harsh summer weather also curbed fat and protein content in milk for processed dairy products, it said.
Like other observers, the Commission said early 2023 could prove difficult as dairy farmers face high feed costs during winter while consumer demand may weaken due to inflation.
