September 16, 2010

French cattle herd numbers seen stable year-on-year

Cattle herd numbers in France remained relatively stable year-on-year, falling a negligible 0.3% to 19.3 million heads, according to the French Ministry for Foodstuff, Agriculture and Fisheries' (Agreste) May livestock census.

The fall was mainly due to a 4% decline in the yearling herd and a 2% decrease in dairy cow numbers. Despite the fall in the dairy cow herd to 3.5 million head, replacement heifers for milk production increased 4%, indicating possible herd rebuilding (AHDB).

In addition, the beef breeding herd is also expected to grow, as beef cow numbers remained steady at 4.2 million head and beef heifer numbers grew 4% year-on-year.

However, French farmers have called for urgent measures to address the problem of rising feed costs as a result of surging grain prices following Russia's drought. European wheat futures were up by more than 50% since the end of June, raising the cost of animal feed.