Global meat production rose 2 percent in 2012 according to a report from European Meat. Per capita consumption of meat in developed countries stayed steady at 79 kilograms, while developing countries’ meat consumption per capita rose 1 percent to 32.7 kilograms. Decreases in production in the US, EU Member States, Russia and Ukraine were offset by expected increases in South America, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea. Beef production in the US, Russia, Ukraine and Mexico was hurt by periods of drought, while EU member states’ production decreased by 4.2 percent to the lowest levels since the 1960s as a result of increased effectiveness in the dairy sector and a reduction in the slaughtered cattle population. The report’s authors expect the production decrease in developed nations in 2013 to be offset by growth in India, Vietnam and other newcomers. Pork production increased by 1.9 percent globally due to improved disease control among animals in Asia and increased slaughter in many countries. Pig production is expected to remain flat according to USDA, but high feed prices will lead to lower weights for slaughter animals.