Main points
- In the EU, cattle, sheep and goat production is forecast to decline in the second half of 2026, while pig production is expected to grow.
- France will remain the leader in beef production, and Spain a key player in pig production, despite the overall reduction in livestock numbers in the EU.
Europe is reducing livestock numbers / Photo Unsplash
In the European Union, production of most livestock species is expected to decline as early as the second half of 2026. The largest decline is predicted in the sheep and goat segment, while pig production is showing growth.
The EU has begun to reduce the number of livestock of most types of livestock
In the European Union, production of most livestock species is expected to decline in the second half of 2026, according to Eurostat estimates. In particular, gross cattle production could fall to 11.4 million head , down 0.5 million or 4.2% compared to the same period in 2025.
The most significant decline is expected in the small livestock segment. Goats could decline by 17.1% to 1.9 million heads , and sheep by 17.8% to 12.2 million heads .
Please note! At the same time, positive dynamics are predicted in pig farming. In the fourth quarter of 2026, pig production may increase by 3.2% – to 61.2 million heads compared to the same period of the previous year.
Among the key beef producers, France will retain its leadership with a share of 23.1% of the EU total, although its figures will decrease slightly. Germany is forecast to see a moderate decline, while Ireland will see a more significant decline. Spain, on the other hand, may increase its beef production.
In the pig segment, Spain will remain the key player, with a share of over a quarter of the EU market. Growth in production is also expected in Germany, Denmark and France.
Interestingly, Spain will retain its status as the largest producer of sheep in the EU, despite a projected sharp decline in livestock. Greece, which is one of the leaders in goat meat production, is also expected to see a slight decline.
Livestock exports from Ukraine have increased sharply: deliveries jumped by 85% in a month
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In February 2026, Ukraine increased its exports of live cattle by 85% compared to January, reaching 1.77 thousand tons.
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Total proceeds from livestock and beef exports amounted to US$12.02 million, with the balance remaining positive at US$11.21 million.