Paraguay livestock productivity and management

The Paraguayan livestock sector is navigating a transition from identifying technical gaps to seeking productivity improvements through strategic investment. Initial assessments highlighted a significant deficiency in agricultural extension services. Veterinary advisor Jorge Ovando noted that while technology exists, small and medium-sized producers lack access to technical knowledge. This has resulted in low adoption of reproductive efficiency practices, with less than 15% of registered establishments performing pregnancy diagnoses and only 5% to 10% of the national herd undergoing insemination. More recent perspectives suggest that favorable commercial conditions and high cattle valuations present an opportunity for structural growth. Experts recommend shifting focus from increasing herd size to improving management through nutrition, planning, and land recovery, particularly in the Chaco region. A primary goal for increasing productivity is the implementation of defined breeding seasons of 90 to 120 days, which could potentially raise the national calf production ratio from approximately 50% to 70%. As of late 2026, the sector is experiencing record-high cattle prices. The value of male cattle for slaughter has risen 51.4% since July 2025, reaching US$ 5.30 per kilogram. Industry experts emphasize that this exceptional period should be utilized for structural investments in field recovery and reproductive productivity to bolster calf production. This livestock trend coincides with preparations for the 2026/27 soybean campaign, with the Association of Soybean, Oilseed and Cereal Producers of Paraguay (APS) estimating planting areas between 3.6 and 3.7 million hectares. Building on this push for intensification, Martín Céspedes, president of the Technical Commission of the Asociación Rural del Paraguay (ARP), has stated that the priority should be maximizing production from the existing reproductive base rather than immediately increasing the number of breeding cows. This strategy focuses on sustaining the process from service to weaning.