Export sets livestock farming at a new record

In the first quarter of 2017, the livestock sector achieves a new record in the export of live animals, meat and dairy. That is what the figures from Statistics Netherlands (CBS) outline. The results declined slightly in 2015 and 2016, but now a comeback can be made. 

The total export value of meat, dairy and live animals in the first quarter amounted to 4,9 billion euros. Meat and meat products account for a share of 44 percent in this. Dairy products also follow with a share of 44 percent. When looking at the numbers after the decimal point, meat turns out to convert slightly more.

New border broken
The export results for meat underline the better sentiment in pigs, among others. It mainly benefits from the flight of exports to China, the Philippines and South Korea. Pork exports are benefiting, but poultry meat is also benefiting. Beef stays more within European borders. In total, the first 3 months of 2017 yield an interim position of 2,18 billion euros. This means that meat exports break through the 2,1 billion euro mark for the first time in the first quarter. 

Not only the sale of meat is off to a flying start, the sale of dairy products is also thriving. Dutch products reach a new high of 2,17 billion euros. That is a combination of higher prices and a larger volume. This is a plus of 16,8 percent compared to the first quarter of 2016. 

Sales of live animals
The last product that scores turns out to be the sale of live animals. Not a highlight here, because in 2013, slightly more was earned from this branch of sport. Especially because more could be earned from livestock in January. At that time, exports yielded 0,2 billion euros. In total, the first quarter of 2017 brought in 0,55 billion euros. 

Expectations are even higher for the second quarter, because the 2017 Phosphate Reduction Regulation will play a major role. In the first quarter, this only resulted in action for March. The interim standings for period 1 were only drawn up in April. In addition, regulations initially hindered the use of quarantine stables. This was not repaired until later.

Herman van den Pol

Herma van den Pol has been with us since 2011 Boerenbusiness and has developed over the years into a market expert Milk & Feed. In addition, she can be seen weekly in the market flash about the dairy market.

h.vandenpol@boerenbusiness. Nl

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