South American meat industry faces price shifts and production concerns

The livestock and meat sectors in South America are experiencing varied shifts in production and pricing. In the Alto Valle region of Argentina, the price of bone-in beef (asado) dropped by approximately 18% in July. This decline is attributed to the relaxation of sanitary regulations and the partial reopening of the Colorado River barrier, allowing meat with bone to flow from other parts of the country.

In Paraguay, the Asociación Paraguaya de Productores y Exportadores de Carne (Appec) has expressed concern regarding a potential decrease in slaughter activity at several meatpacking plants during September. Some facilities are expected to pause operations for periods ranging from 15 to 30 days. Producers fear this reduction in industrial activity could lower the demand for livestock and increase economic pressure on ranchers.

Additionally, research in Northern Patagonia, Argentina, is exploring alternative winter feeding methods for cattle. Studies conducted by INTA suggest that using forage beet as a finishing diet for steers may be a viable, low-cost alternative to corn-based diets. Preliminary results indicate that meat from animals fed with forage beet exhibits a “very red” color compared to those fed with corn, while maintaining acceptable tenderness and cooking characteristics.