How is beef produced

Background and Objective

Farm-level comparisons of economics and production costs are one method to assess competitiveness. The strengths and weaknesses of the German cattle production can be identified through the comparison of farm data within a global frame. These information are important to carry out an ex ante evaluation of policy options and thus be able to give advice to policy. Furthermore it helps to identify and understand driving forces for future trends and developments in global beef production and analyse the impact of changing economic, technological and political framework conditions on farming operations, farm structures and agricultural production.

Approach

We coordinate the national and international data collection for cow-calf, beef finishing and sheep production to be able to give an international comparative analysis of beef production. Cost of production, profitability and time series in the different countries are the results of our analysis. These kinds of analysis are carried out on a global scale and under the auspices of Thünen Institute within the expert network agri benchmark Beef and Sheep.

Data and Methods

The data of typical farms and production systems are collected using harmonised methods and taking the specific regional situation on spot into account. Analysis of world markets, trade, market shares, agricultural policy and sector developments of beef production complement the expert knowledge of the participating production economists, advisors and producers.

Preliminary Results

Results of our analyses can be found on the agri benchmark Website at www.agribenchmark.org/beef-and-sheep/publications-and-projects.html

Links and Downloads

http://www.agribenchmark.org/home.html

http://www.agribenchmark.org/home.html