The Global Livestock Report

Brazilian multinational JBS announced it will double production capacity at its new poultry plant in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, before the end of 2026. The expansion is part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the Middle East and align with Saudi policy to reduce import dependence by boosting local production.

China announced the lifting of the ban on Canada’s beef, in place since 2021, allowing exports from the country to resume immediately. The measure was officially communicated by China’s Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and is part of the new beef import quota regime.

Restocker yearling steer prices in Australia have seen a sharp lift at the beginning of 2026, with the National Restocker Yearling Steer Indicator (NRSI) reaching A$/c/kg 504 liveweight, up 60¢ from the end of 2025. This marks a year-on-year increase of 108¢/kg, though still below the recent peak of A$/c/kg 553 in November 2025.

Romania’s Ministry of Agriculture announced the launch of a strategic plan to revive the country’s livestock herd and ease the severe supply crisis affecting the domestic meat industry.

Compared to the last market test, US beef import prices were moderately higher.

The severe winter storm that swept through the US cattle belt disrupted all aspects of beef production. According to The AG Center, the coming days will be key to assessing the damage to both human and animal welfare. Feedyard operations have slowed, and cattle performance is expected to be negatively affected.