Despite a season of abundant rainfall improving grazing conditions in Morocco, red meat prices remain stubbornly high, creating a paradox that worries consumers ahead of Eid al-Adha. Experts attribute the situation to a tight supply exacerbated by breeders holding onto livestock for fattening, compounded by the lingering effects of past droughts and rising import costs. DR ‹ › Despite significant rainfall this season, which improved grazing conditions and eased fodder availability, red meat prices in Morocco remain high, a paradox that is raising concerns among consumers, particularly ahead of Eid al-Adha. The situation is mainly driven by tight supply, despite improved natural conditions. According to Mohamed Jebli, president of the Moroccan Federation of Livestock Sector Stakeholders, the impact of recent rainfall «does not materialize immediately». Speaking to Yabiladi, he explained that the abundance of spring pasture reduces the incentive for breeders to sell. Instead, they prefer to keep livestock for fattening and breeding, tightening supply in the face of strong demand. Field data supports this trend. Meat prices have increased by around 10 dirhams since the start of the rains, said Hassan Sadiki, founder of the United Butchers Association for Development in the Essaouira province. He noted that, unlike during drought periods, when high feed costs forced sales, breeders are now holding onto their livestock. «Butchers, especially in rural areas, face difficulty securing local livestock, which has become scarce, while imported meat dominates urban consumption. This is due to many breeders losing their flocks during drought years and rising feed costs, which consequently leads to higher prices», Sadiki said. Slow recovery The national herd has yet to recover from years of drought. Agricultural expert Riyad Ouahtita told Yabiladi that it «has not yet recovered from the effects of seven consecutive drought years», which reduced production and constrained supply. He added that breeders are currently reluctant to sell as animals enter the fattening phase. A census by the Ministry of Agriculture conducted between June 26 and August 11, 2025, estimated the national sheep herd at over 23 million heads, including more than 16 million females. «Around 6.5 million heads are consumed during Eid al-Adha, putting the herd in a critical situation as the occasion approaches», Ouahtita said. Imports also continue to weigh on prices, particularly for beef, which remains scarce. Rising international prices are directly affecting the domestic market, and professionals do not expect a significant drop in beef prices in the near term. In Casablanca, wholesale beef prices range between 85 and 95 dirhams per kilogram, compared to 100 to 120 dirhams for lamb, according to Jebli. In the Chiadma region, Sadiki said beef has reached around 110 dirhams, lamb 120 dirhams, and goat meat 140 dirhams for local livestock, while imported meat remains relatively cheaper. Cattle prices have also surged, with some heads ranging between 20,000 and 30,000 dirhams. Supporting small breeders Along the supply chain, livestock passes through breeders, intermediaries, and butchers before reaching consumers. While some argue this does not significantly inflate prices, Ouahtita notes that intermediaries capture larger margins, leaving breeders, the most vulnerable link, bearing production costs for up to a year with limited returns. Professionals stress that price regulation remains complex, as it is governed by supply and demand. However, they are calling for urgent measures, particularly support for small breeders, including access to affordable feed and alternative solutions such as sprouted barley and low-water crops. Ouahtita also warned that current support measures remain limited, focusing more on preserving livestock than improving productivity. He noted that opportunities to strengthen the national herd were missed during the COVID-19 period, when prices were significantly lower. Under these conditions, professionals expect a gradual easing of prices from June, particularly for sheep, with more noticeable improvements next year if rainfall continues. However, the cattle market is likely to remain under pressure due to persistent shortages and high import costs.
