BLR Statistics & Highlights

Farmers & Establishments

At the end of the year 2023 (31st, December) the total active farmers recorded in the BLR (Belize Livestock Registry) was 6,808. Compared to the last AGM report of 2022, that is a 588-farmer increase. Furthermore, out of the total active farmers, 5,663 (83.18%) are males and 565 (8.29%) are females with the highest concentration of farmers in Orange Walk (2,268) and Cayo (1,939) respectively. Orange Walk comprises the larger number of farmers in the entire country which adds up to 33.31% of cattle ranchers.

Farmers by District
Table 1: Distribution of Farmers by District
Table 2: Distribution of Farmers by Animals Owned
Table 2: Distribution of Farmers by Animals Owned

With regards to number of cattle heads per farmer, it can be observed in the figure on the left, that 86.96% (4,677) of the industry can be classified as small farmers and own anything between 1 to 50 animals, whilst only 4.8% of the farmers have 150 plus. Of note the total sums up to 5,378 farmers; as there are farmers that do not have animals, some buy and sell only, others are institutions or slaughterhouses.

Figure 1:  Registred farmers with the Belize Livestock Registry (BLR)

Registered farmers with the Belize Livestock Registry (BLR)
Farms by District
Table 3: Distribution of Farms by District

Table on the right goes on further to show the number of establishment and distribution per district. Note that the total number of establishments is 6,665 and includes ranches, slaughterhouses, re-sellers among others.

National Herd

The Distribution of the National Herd by Age illustrates a healthy cattle population putting the total Herd per the BLR at 190,483 with 146,466 being female and 43,577 being male (Shown on table 4).

Table 4: Breakdown of National Herd by Age
Table 4: Breakdown of National Herd by Age
Table 5: Distribution of Animals by District
Table 5: Distribution of Animals by District

Orange Walk and Cayo have the highest concentration of cattle respectively as shown on Table 5.

National Slaughter/Consumption

According, to BLR records, 8,765 animals were consumed locally in 2023 with March being the highest month of consumption with 1,013 animals and may the lowest at 508 animals.

Figure 2: Slaughter consumtion Trend (2021-2023)

Cattle Export Report

Table below shows export trends monthly and yearly from 2022-2023. Statistics illustrates fluctuation in the first half of each year and conversely showing similarities/normalization for the latter part of each year.

Table 7: Consolidated Export 2022-2023
Table 8: Summary of Monthly Global Exports to Guatemala and Mexico 2023
Table 8: Summary of Monthly Global Exports to Guatemala and Mexico