Latvian meat production increased by 4.0 thousand tons or 4.6% in 2017 compared to the previous year, reaching 91.2 thousand tons in 2017, according to the data provided by the Central Statistical Bureau (CSB).
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The biggest increases were noticed in poultry production and pork production, both up by 11.3% and 4.7% respectively, as reported by the Baltic Course.
On the other hand, production beef and veal reported a decline of 5,2%, while mutton and goat production fell by 2.3%.
Meat prices rose on avergage by 2.5% to 1,529 euros/t in 2017 compared to 1,492 euros/t in the previous year. Beef and veal prices saw the biggest increase of 11.5%, reaching 1,782 euros/t in 2017. The average purchase prices of pork grew from 1,406 euros/t in 2016 to 1,504 euros/t in 2017 or by 7.0% and prices of mutton rose from 3,358 euros/t to 3,400 euros/t or by 1.3%.
According to the Livestock Register of Agricultural Data Centre, the cattle herd decreased in 2017 by 1.6% or 6.5 thousand heads compared with 2016, being situated at 405.8 thousand heads. Meanwhile, the export of live cattle grew by 17% or 6.5 thousand heads last year compared with 2016. Calves aged under 8 months constituted 40.6% of the total number of cattle exported (41.1% in 2016). Number of imported cattle grew 1.5 times, heifers intended to restock cow herds constituted 46.3% of the number.
African swine fever resulted in a decline in the pig number of 15.8 thou. or 4.7% at the end of 2017.Compared to 2016, exports of live pigs increased by 15.9 thou. or 9.8%. Out of the total number of pigs exported, piglets for fattening constituted 56.5% (59.6% in 2016). Number of imported pigs fell 2.4 times.
Compared to the end of 2016, number of sheep rose by 5.2%.
