Brazil livestock sector sees shifts in herd size and export revenues

The Brazilian livestock and meat sectors are experiencing significant shifts in herd size, market strategy, and corporate structure. Mato Grosso maintains Brazil’s largest cattle herd with 31.6 million head, despite a 3.7% reduction in 2025 due to increased slaughter of females. To offset volume changes, the state is targeting high-value niche markets in Peru and exploring new Pacific routes to reach Asian consumers.

In the corporate sector, JBS and Viva Holding have reached an agreement to combine their leather operations into a new entity, JBS Viva, which will be equally owned by both companies. This merger covers leather production and chemical manufacturing, though certain international assets in the US, Germany, Uruguay, and Mexico will remain separate.

Market data shows a complex landscape for beef exports. While September 2026 saw a nearly 40% drop in export volume compared to 2025, the average price per kilogram rose by 11.9% to US$6.28, leading to record revenues of US$12.96 billion for the year through September. Additionally, the beef sector is seeing growth in the protein snack category, with a projected annual growth of 7.2% through 2035 as consumers seek convenient, high-protein, gluten-free options.

In regional developments, Paraíba has emerged as Brazil’s leading producer of goat milk, focusing on high-yield genetics and specialized breeds to drive production despite having a smaller total herd than other states.