Argentina's cattle slaughter falls to decade low

A report from the Bolsa de Comercio de Rosario indicates that 6.025 million cattle were slaughtered in the first half of 2026, a 9% year‑on‑year decline and the lowest level in ten years. The exchange projects the full‑year total to fall between 12.4 million and 13.1 million heads, 0.5‑1.2 million fewer than in 2025.

Despite the reduced headcount, productivity rose as the average live weight reached a record 240 kg in May, up 7.5 kg from the previous year. Feedlots now account for more than 37% of the animals sent to slaughter, up from 30% five years earlier, with 2.17 million cattle held on July 1. The national herd is down about 500 000 breeding cows, after a 700 000‑head loss in 2025, limiting future growth. The BCR said the best scenario is “a moderate slaughter volume combined with higher average weight to sustain meat production while protecting cattle stock.”