With the continuation of the Russian import ban, more milk is likely to be channelled into SMP and butter and less in cheese. For cereals, after last year´s record crop (329 million tonnes of cereals – some 14% above average), exports are estimated close to 60% above average. Moreover this year´s cereals harvest is forecast to be higher than average levels (+6%) for the third year in a row. In the meat sector, pigmeat production is expected to increase further in 2015 driven by low feed prices and a slightly higher breeding sows herd. Poultrymeat production continues its steady development. Beefmeat production is also likely to rise in 2015, boosted by cow herd developments and export opportunities. Relatively good prices and favourable forage conditions support an increasing herd and production in the sheep sector. This extra meat on the market translates in an average 1.4% (1kg) increase in per capita consumption this year, after the strong recovery already observed in 2014.
Source: ag-press.eu
