Canada: Livestock and Products Annual

The Canadian cattle herd is forecast to sustain the long-term trend of contraction to begin 2025 but will begin to stabilize by year’s end on improved feed pricing and availability. A smaller calf crop will be produced based on 2024 breeding stock but heifer retention should improve if feed conditions continue to remain stable or improve. Higher heifer retention coupled with a smaller calf crop will see lowered beef production and slaughter in 2025. As a percent of production, Canadian beef exports are forecast to remain strong while imports are forecast to soften on weakened consumer demand. The Canadian swine herd is also forecast to remain relatively stable in 2025. Contraction in Eastern Canada will be offset by growth in Western Canada. Slaughter is forecast at one percent above 2024 with increased utilization and small expansion in Western Canada. Imports will lag 2024 as domestic consumption continues to struggle.