Russia: Livestock and Products Semi-annual
Post forecasts a 310 TMT drop in beef production in 2017 as cattle numbers decline 1.6 percent, mostly at dairy farms impacted by a lack of development funds. Cattle imports are forecast to fall to 50,000 head, as the beef industry utilizes more local dairy bulls in feedlots. Beef consumption declines to 1.785 MMT, while pork recovers to pre-crisis levels, 3.255 MMT. Pork production will grow to 2.98 MMT with heavier animals slaughtered. Beef and pork imports will drop due to shrinking demand for frozen meat from processed meat producers. Trade restrictions and the TRQ continue to influence trade. The Russian government is revising its support program to improve loan availability for the most efficient producers.
