Animal Production - 2nd quarter of 2024

"In both quarters of this year, pigmeat production in slaughterhouses reached higher level than in the last year, in contrast to beef production, which was affected by increased exports of cattle for slaughter abroad. Poultrymeat production was stable, with little year-on-year variation. Overall, meat production showed a gradual increase," Renata Vodičková, head of the Agricultural and Forestry Statistics Unit of the CZSO, said.

Meat production and milk collection

In total 54.1 thous. head of cattle (−3.3%, y-o-y) were slaughtered at slaughterhouses in Q2 2024. Slaughtering of bulls decreased by 12.0%, while slaughtering of cows and heifers slightly rose (+1.6% and +3.6%, respectively), Beef production reached 16 690 tonnes and was by 4.6% lower than in Q2 2023. Pigmeat production amounted to 52 678 tonnes (by 5.6% more, y-o-y). In total 566.7 thous. pigs were delivered to slaughterhouses, i.e. by 4.8% more, y-o-y. Slaughtering of sows increased by 13.1%. Poultry slaughterhouses slaughtered 66 619 tonnes of poultry, which corresponds to 43 279 tonnes (+0.2%) of poultrymeat produced. In total 835 494 thous. litres of milk (+3.7%) were purchased from domestic producers in Q1 2024.

Agricultural producer prices

Agricultural producer prices of cattle for slaughter went up by 5.3%, y-o-y, in Q2 2024. Farmers received on average 62.56 CZK per kg in live weight or 113.85 CZK per kg in carcass weight. Prices of pigs for slaughter slightly declined, y-o-y (−1.4%). The average price reached 41.01 CZK per kg in live weight or 53.32 CZK per kg in carcass weight; i.e. by 1.51 CZK per kg in carcass weight more than in Q1 2024. The prices of chicken for slaughter fell by 7.7%, y-o-y. Chicken for slaughter of the first quality class were sold on average for 28.25 CZK per kg in live weight,, which was a steady price throughout the first half of the year. Agricultural producer prices of milk were by 4.7% lower, y-o-y. The average price of Q-quality milk reached 11.05 CZK per litre.

More detailed information on meat production in Q2 2024 can be found in the supplementary information to the News Release on Animal production.