Beef production fell across the EU by 3% in the first quarter (Q1) of 2025, compared to last year, according to latest analysis by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB).

This brought the total Q1 production to 1.58 million tonnes, according to the AHDB this overall decline in production is "widespread" and due to issues such as "disease, profitability challenges, and structural herd decline".

One key factor behind the decline in EU beef production was because of the large fall-off in production seen in north-western countries severely affected by Bluetongue, according to the organisation.

In its latest update AHDB outlined that the "EU is the primary destination for UK beef exports".

From the data it can be seen that the largest reductions in beef volumes were recorded in France, Germany and the Netherlands.

In some European regions, farmers are being incentivised to downscale livestock production, which the AHDB say will be "affecting farmer sentiment and impacting decisions".

For example, the EU have approved a €128 million fund to compensate Dutch livestock farmers for the the voluntary closure of their operations to meet nitrogen and nature targets.

However, Ireland and Poland are doing the exact opposite, with both countries seeing increases in beef production, as shown in the graph above.

The AHDB explained that the increases for both countries are likely driven by "strong domestic prices" bringing animals forward and a "lucrative" export market amongst sustained demand.

The AHDB suggests that falling EU production could offer an opportunity for UK beef exports, as more product is needed to fulfil demand.

However, the AHDB stress that "price will remain a major determining factor".

As of the week ending June 13, the EU average steer price was £6.09/kg or €7.18/kg, whilst the UK average steer price was £6.50/kg, according to the AHDB.