Argentina's cattle sector cuts female culling by 28% as export quota slots concentrate among ten frigoríficos

In the first half of 2026 Argentine cattle producers reduced the slaughter of female cattle by 28.2%, sending 67,778 cows and heifers to slaughter versus 94,410 in the same period of 2025. The decline was most marked among mature cows, whose processing fell from 53,149 to 37,332 heads (‑29.8%). Producers cite improved pasture conditions, higher cattle prices and new financial tools such as the Retention of Vientres programme, which has supported over 200 farms.

Meanwhile, the national government allocated 69% of the lucrative Hilton export quota – a 29,500‑ton special allowance for premium beef to the EU and the UK – to ten frigoríficos. These firms received 16,772 tons (about two‑thirds of the quota) and are expected to generate more than US$400 million in export revenue for the 2026/27 campaign. Swift Argentina, Frigorífico Rioplatense and Arre Beef topped the list, while total certified exports under the quota reached 99.9% of the allocated volume, boosting overall beef export values by 16% year‑on‑year.