Austrian Drought Pushes Slaughterhouses to Limits with Record Cow Numbers

A severe drought in Austria has led to a record-breaking number of cows being brought to market for slaughter, pushing local slaughterhouses to their limits. According to ARGE Rind, the umbrella organization for eight cattle producers' associations, about three times as many cows have been sent to market recently compared to usual.

The drought has resulted in a severe feed shortage, forcing farmers to emergency-slaughter their animals due to lack of food. Many farmers are having to send their cows to slaughterhouses daily, with Handlbauer owner reporting that they're receiving about twice as many animals daily as under normal market conditions.

Grain production is down 20% this year compared to last year, and experts warn of massive crop losses for corn, potatoes, soybeans, sugar beets, and pumpkins. The shortage has led to a significant loss in value of the goods, with Handlbauer warning that freezing large quantities of meat will lead to extra storage and energy costs.

Chancellor Christian Stocker assures that the federal government stands firmly by the side of farmers in this situation, ranging from maintaining liquidity to compensating for losses. Agriculture Minister Norbert Totschnig had previously signaled a package of drought relief measures was in the works.