October 26, 2004

Uruguay's Cattle Herd Expected to Increase Slightly

The Uruguayan cattle herd is expected to marginally increase over the next two years, from 11.95 million head in 2004 to 12.11 million head in 2006, according to the Institito Nacional de Carnes (INC). The expansion in the herd is in response to the increase in beef exports, which in the calendar year to September accounted for more than 80% of Uruguayan beef production.

The INC have forecast Uruguayan beef exports for 2004 to be 17% higher than 2003 levels (250,000 tons cwt), primarily due to the resumption in unprocessed beef exports to the US. Beef exports are expected to increase by 4% in both 2005 and 2006.