Rising Beef Prices in the Czech Republic Raise Concerns Among Farmers Over Disease Spread

České Budějovice – Over the past year and a half, the purchase prices for beef have surged nearly 50% to 90 CZK per kilogram of live weight. Cattle breeders express concern over the potential spread of diseases that could necessitate the culling of entire herds. They also highlight the escalating burden of bureaucratic regulations and guidelines from the European Union (EU), fearing the impacts of the EU’s agreement with the Mercosur bloc, which may lead to increased beef imports in Europe. This was emphasized by Kamil Malát, director of the Czech Association of Beef Cattle Breeders, during the agricultural fair Země živitelka.

“In the last year and a half, purchase prices have risen significantly. For many years prior, while input costs climbed sharply, the prices for cattle at slaughterhouses remained relatively stagnant, fluctuating between 40 and 50 CZK per kilogram of live weight; now it sits around 90 CZK,” Malát noted. In the Czech Republic, the number of beef cows has remained relatively stable, with 226,000 reported last year and 225,000 this June. “Overall, numbers are stagnating. However, trends differ across Europe. Approximately five million head of cattle have been lost in the last five years, contributing to the current rise in purchase prices. With fewer cattle available and global demand remaining high, prices are increasing,” explained Malát.

Breeders are critical of the EU regulation on deforestation, which mandates proof that animals were not raised on deforested land. “There are also upcoming stricter regulations concerning the transport of live animals. A significant concern is the trade agreement between the EU and the South American Mercosur bloc. If South American beef enters the market tariff-free, Czech and European meat will struggle to compete. Production costs in Europe are several times higher. In the Czech Republic, a kilogram of beef costs around 100 crowns, whereas in South America it’s between 20 and 25 crowns. This disparity arises from land prices, stringent regulations, and bans on growth hormones or certain vaccination programs. Furthermore, in South America, some cattle are raised on illegally deforested land,” Malát remarked.

Breeders are increasingly worried about the threat of diseases. “For instance, the recent spring wave of foot-and-mouth disease thankfully did not reach us due to significant preventive efforts. However, other diseases are a concern. Recently, nodular dermatitis in cattle has been spreading across Europe, impacting regions like France, Italy, and areas near the Swiss border. If an outbreak occurs, it could necessitate the culling of entire herds,” Malát stated. He also mentioned the ongoing issue of bluetongue disease, which hampers exports. (August 25)