Although beef consumption in Belgium remains fairly stable, the balance between supply and demand is disrupted
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The explosive rise in beef prices is the result of numerous causes, including a shrinkage of the European livestock population, bluetongue, and uncertainty in the sector. In Belgium, the price for top animals has increased by 1.7 euros per kilo of carcass weight since the start of the year. The European livestock population has shrunk by 2.6 percent in 2024. Belgium and the Netherlands experienced even greater declines. Causes include a lack of succession among livestock farmers and low profitability in the meat cattle sector, leading to businesses closing without replacement. High land prices also play a role. In recent years, many livestock farmers could barely invest, which limits production capacity. Dairy farming also determines beef supply Dairy farming, which partly provides beef supply, is keeping animals longer during high milk prices. Moreover, the use of sexed semen means less replacement livestock is needed, further reducing the number of slaughter-ready animals. The ...