Livestock population trends in EU, Brazil and USA
Livestock populations in 2024 continued their broad decline across the U.S., EU and Brazil amid rising input costs, climate shocks, consumer preferences and disease outbreaks.
In the U.S., cattle stocks are facing a structural decline and slow rebuild of herds in the coming years. Dairy cattle have remained steady since 2016, while productivity gains have increased milk output. Swine numbers are the only category growing in the U.S, adding 5 million heads since 2016.
Cattle numbers continued to fall in the EU. Germany and France represented 38% of the bovine decline in 2024. For dairy cattle, 70% of the decline comes from Poland, Germany and France. EU swine is mixed as a 2024 ASF outbreak in Italy offset growth from Spain.
Brazil’s bovine population fluctuated over past years but remains at 2016 levels. Dairy herds are under pressure from costs and structural changes, while swine numbers dropped due to export demand and policy.
EU animal population trends 1H 2025
Latest EU data for 1H 2025 shows a sluggish trend YoY. Bovine fell -2% driven by the largest bovine countries, France, Germany and Ireland.
EU dairy herd fell by -2% with Poland and Germany driving the decrease. Swine numbers were steady YoY driven by Spain and Denmark.
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