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Pigs are expected to be the only livestock category showing growth in 2026, with production projected to reach 61.2 million head in the last quarter of the year, a 3.2% increase compared to the same period in 2025.
In contrast, overall livestock production is forecast to decline across most other sectors. Bovine production in the EU is expected to fall to 11.4 million head in the second half of 2026, representing a decrease of 0.5 million head (-4.2%) compared to the same period in 2025.
Small ruminants are set to experience the sharpest reductions, with goat production projected to drop by 17.1% to 1.9 million head, and sheep production by 17.8% to 12.2 million head between the second halves of 2025 and 2026.
Spain will be the only major EU country to increase bovine production in the second half of 2026, while also consolidating its leadership in the pig sector, accounting for 25.7% of total EU production.
In addition, Spain will remain the main sheep producer, although output is expected to decline sharply. Greece will continue to lead goat production despite a slight decrease.
Meanwhile, France will remain the EU’s largest bovine producer, representing 23.1% of total output despite a slight decline, with Germany also showing a marginal decrease and Ireland facing a more significant drop.
March 18, 2026/ Eurostat/ European Union.
https://ec.europa.eu/eurostat/
