| The following GAIN reports were released on March 12, 2026. _______ In late January of this year, Kazakhstan unveiled its five-year plan (2026-30) for developing the country's livestock sector. The overarching goal of the government's plan, which includes a variety of incentives, is to increase the production of milk and meat for domestic and export channels. In order to realize this production goal, the government's plan implies the need to import 30,000-60,000 breeding beef and dairy cattle. Mexico continues to lead the world in avocado production. For 2026, Post forecasts Mexican avocado production to increase by 3 percent to 2.8 million metric tons (MMT). This is mainly a result of favorable growing conditions and sustained export demand. Mexican avocado exports are forecast to increase 7 percent to 1.3 MMT, with the United States remaining Mexico's top destination for avocado exports. New Zealand's cattle herd is forecast at 9.84 million head at the start of market year (MY) 2026, marking the first annual increase in total stocks in four years and the first simultaneous rise in both dairy and beef cow numbers since 2019. Total cattle slaughter in MY 2026 is revised down to 4.32 million head, reflecting increased breeding stock retention and dairy-on-beef expansion. Strong profitability has encouraged producers to retain more replacement heifers and cows, temporarily constraining slaughter volumes. Beef production is forecast at 700,000 metric tons (MT) of carcass weight equivalent (CWE), supported by modestly heavier carcass weights and favorable pasture growing conditions. Export markets continue to underpin sector performance. The United States remains the largest market for New Zealand beef, accounting for approximately 40 percent of exports in MY 2025, with record export unit values driven by tight U.S. supplies, ongoing herd rebuilding, and a weaker New Zealand dollar. For more information, or for an archive of all FAS GAIN reports, please visit gain.fas.usda.gov/. | 
