July 21, 2008

Argentina's cattle slaughter during January to May 2008 decreased but cow slaughter rose during the period, indicating a liquidation of cattle herd.
 

Cattle slaughter during the period dropped by 0.7 percent, with the average carcass weight falling from 217.5 kg to 212.2 kg.

Cow slaughter, however, rose 6.5 percent on-year, while calves slaughter jumped over 20 percent on-year. On the other hand, slaughter of steers fell by 16.6 percent.

Producers are liquidating their herd due to the government's export restrictions and price controls, and the rising profitability in grain crops.

In addition, Argentina's beef production totalled 1.2 million tonnes cwt from January to May 2008, a drop of 3.2 percent on-year, according to Argentina's National Agricultural Trade Control Office.

Despite the fall in production, the result is optimistic considering the farmer strikes since March that have caused road blockages.