Borror: Russian War Having An Impact On Red Meat Sector
According to the U.S. Meat Export Federation, the war in Ukraine has already had an impact on the Red Meat arena, and that impact will continue for the foreseeable future. USMEF Vice President of Economic Analysis Erin Borror said Russia, Ukraine and Belarus export red meat, but the impact is somewhat muted at 60,000 tons to China. But where the war will have the greatest impact on the red meat sector, and producers across the globe, is on the feed side.
“So, Ukraine is the #3 corn exporter, the #2 barley exporter and the #1 sunflower exporter, and #5 on wheat. And Russia has been the largest wheat exporter. And so, there’s obviously growing concern about feed availability, especially in Europe.”
Borror noted their concerns about the Black Sea region will not be disappearing anytime soon.
“Not only are we worried about this crop that should be planted right now, but also the grain in storage that was still to be exported for the rest of this crop year, and those exports are not going out the Ukrainian ports right now. They are working to try to do some grain trade by rail into Europe, but basically, you’re looking at product that’s yet to ship and then real questions about the current crop and whether Ukraine can get it in the ground.”
Borror added another concern is shipping companies concerned about having ships near or in a war zone. She added the impact of the war could be felt until 2024.
If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com