July 30, 2012

Brazilian cattle slaughter rises 1.9% for first half of 2012

Brazil's cattle slaughter has increased 1.9% on-year during the first half of 2012, totalling just below 11 million head.

The most significant rise was registered in the state of Mato Grosso, the largest beef producer in Brazil, with the number of cattle slaughtered totalling 414,000 head in June. This was the largest monthly slaughter number since August 2007, with the female portion increasing 33% on the January to June period last year.

As a result of the increase in cattle slaughter, combined with the dry season, indicative steer prices in Mato Grosso state eased 1.8% on-year. Seasonal factors and domestic market demand are expected to determine cattle price trends in the second half of the year.