The Global Livestock Report

The number of breeding sows in China has fallen below 40 million, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, reflecting the pressures facing the country’s pork sector due to oversupply, depressed prices and shifts in meat consumption. In October, the herd dropped below that threshold after registering 40.35 million in September.

The USDA’s long-delayed Cattle on Feed (COF) report, released after the government shutdown, confirms that U.S. herd liquidation is still underway. Placements fell 10% and marketings declined 8% from October 2024, leaving total cattle on feed 1.6% lower year-over-year.

Sheep slaughter continues to rise and surpassed 40 thousand head, something not seen since the second week of December 2023, nearly two years ago.

Although down from the previous week, cattle slaughter remained above 50 thousand head for the fourth week in a row. INAC reported that 51,173 head were processed in the week ending November 29, 2,730 fewer than the previous week (-5%), but 7,600 more than in the same week last year.

A problem in an electrical panel triggered a fire on Sunday morning at the San Jacinto meat plant. The company said the situation was quickly contained and that sheep slaughter will continue as normal.

After three months of increases, feeder cow prices lost 10.1% in price per kilo during October and November, based on values reported in the main video auctions (Lote 21, Plaza Rural and Pantalla Uruguay). This drop was partially offset by a rise in the category’s average weight.