Browse Data and Analysis

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have negotiated new conditions for the importation of U.S. natural casings from the United States to Canada.

The Canadian cattle herd continued to experience contraction to begin 2025, however, there are signs of herd stabilization as cow slaughter declines and producers indicate an increase in heifer retention for beef replacement.

Favorable pricing and weather conditions for New Zealand cattle farmers have resulted in a retention of finishing cattle on farms and less slaughter in 2024. Farm operations face challenges with continuing financial pressure such as high debt, increasing on-farm inflation, and declining farmgate margins.

FAS/Canada projects modest milk production growth in 2025, based on a slight increase in fluid milk consumption, and steady requirements for industrial milk.

New Zealand fluid milk production is forecasted to be 21.3 million metric tons (MMT) in the 2025 market year (MY).

The Canadian cattle herd is forecast to sustain the long-term trend of contraction to begin 2025 but will begin to stabilize by year’s end on improved feed pricing and availability.

Chicken meat production is forecast to show a modest 2 percent growth in 2025, based on a stable demand, and considering increased imports, especially under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) tariff rate quota (TRQ).

FAS/Wellington 2025 market year production forecast would be the highest annual production on record, If realized. In addition, post is forecasting that beef and veal exports in 2025 to also be the highest volume for New Zealand in a single year.

New Zealand fluid milk production is forecasted to be 21.2 million metric tons (MMT) in the 2024 market year (MY). This is a decrease on the previous 5-year average of ~21.6 MMT, reflecting the decreasing herd numbers and the short-term effects of the following: El Niño weather pattern, softening revenue, high cost of debt servicing, and challenging feed and fertilizer prices.

The 2023 U.S. Agricultural Export Yearbook provides a statistical summary of U.S. agricultural commodity exports to the world during the 2023 calendar year.

Health Canada is proposing a policy revision for foods derived from somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), cattle and swine and their progeny.

The Canadian cattle herd continues its sustained contraction in 2024. A smaller beef cow inventory will see the 2024 calf crop decline. Improved cattle prices may signal improved heifer retention if moisture conditions and pastures improve, or producers could see this as an opportune time to maximize exiting the industry during a time of better returns.