The total volume of cattle production for the fourth quarter of 2018 was estimated at 75.92 thousand metric tons, liveweight. This was 0.33 percent lower than the previous year’s output of 76.17 thousand metric tons, liveweight. (Table 1)

Majority of the regions reported decreases in production during the fourth quarter of 2018. Among the regions that recorded significant decline relative to their production levels in 2017 were Caraga (28.67%), Eastern Visayas (8.82%) and SOCCSKSARGEN (8.65%). (Table 1)

As of 1 January 2019, the total cattle inventory was 2.54 million heads. This was 0.73 percent lower compared with the previous year’s inventory of 2.55 million heads. (Table 2)

Both farm types reported decreases in inventory. Stocks in backyard farms recorded a decrease of 0.74 percent while commercial farms by 0.42 percent.

During the period, Ilocos Region, CALABARZON and Central Visayas were the top three regions in terms of inventory. These regions contributed 33.67 percent to the country’s total cattle inventory.

The average farmgate price of cattle for slaughter in the fourth quarter of 2018 was PhP 110.15 per kilogram, liveweight. This was 6.39 percent higher compared with the previous year’s price of PhP 103.53 per kilogram, liveweight. The highest price noted during the quarter was in October at PhP 110.97 per kilogram, liveweight. (Table 3)

TECHNICAL NOTES

This Cattle Situation Report presents the cattle industry in terms of volume of production, inventory by farm type and average farmgate price. The report was prepared to serve as ready reference for PSA’s various clients and stakeholders in the agriculture sector. It is released quarterly in January, May, August and November every year.

Concepts and Definitions

Volume of production refers to the volume of locally-raised cattle disposed for slaughter, including those which were shipped-out to other regions/provinces for slaughter. This is expressed in metric tons, liveweight.

Inventory refers to the actual number of cattle present in the farm as of a specific reference date.

Farmgate price refers to price received by raisers for their produce at the location of farm. Thus, the marketing costs such as the transport and other marketing cost (if any) incurred in selling the produce are not included in the farmgate prices.

ROSALINDA P. BAUTISTA
(Director II)
Officer-in-Charge
Sectoral Statistics Office