Vorarlberg slaughter numbers return to normal

Slaughter numbers in Vorarlberg have returned to normal after a wave of panic sales in August, ORF reported. Farmers had brought forward the slaughter of more animals because of feed shortages and fears of a sharp fall in prices. The market and prices have since stabilised, according to Ländle-Vieh-Vermarktung, a livestock marketing organisation.

Heat and drought made the summer particularly difficult for farmers in Vorarlberg. Animals had to leave alpine pastures for the valleys earlier than usual, forcing farmers to use winter feed reserves. Feed was also expensive to purchase because conditions were similarly difficult across Europe.

Gerhard Fruhauf, chairman of Ländle-Vieh-Vermarktung, said that for two to three weeks in August, up to three times as many animals were slaughtered as in previous years. Slaughter numbers normally rise only in autumn, at the end of the alpine pasture season.

The cattle market gradually calmed from the end of August, and slaughter numbers returned to levels typical for the season, Fruhauf said. Many farmers had sold their cows early because they feared falling prices would cause further losses.

Measures were taken to reduce the numbers again, including freezing prices. Prices are now stable or slightly rising, Fruhauf said. Announced financial support from politicians and rainfall also gave some farmers greater confidence.

Fruhauf expects demand for beef to rise relative to supply during the winter, following a long-standing seasonal trend. Farmers across Europe are reducing their cattle herds, he said. At present, supply and demand are balanced.

Fruhauf said many farmers still face a difficult winter because of the feed shortage. Some individual cows may still have to be sold, but he does not expect another wave of panic sales.