Reductions Expected for Canadian Cattle and Swine Herds

OTTAWA, CANADA – As the U.S. cattle herd begins to shrink, both the Canadian cattle and swine herd appear to be joining with their North American neighbors in the contraction.

According to the latest report from the Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), the impacts from the 2021 drought will result in a lower Canadian calf crop in 2022, but imports of U.S. cattle are forecast to be stable with a continued need to supplement the declining Canadian herd numbers.

FAS does believe that lower carcass weights will lead to a reduction in beef production but strong global demand will support sustained export volumes.

On the swine side of the coin, the construction of hog finishing space and additional slaughter capacity will support a larger Canadian pig crop next year, with an expectation for reduced exports to the United States in 2022.

Pork production will also be modestly reduced on lower carcass weights.

The United States remains the dominant import/export market for both Canadian beef and pork products.
(SOURCE: All Ag News)