The latest Rosgan report shows that the second half of the year is starting with a level of slaughter that shows no signs of slowing down. Between January and July, 7.85 million heads , a figure slightly higher than the same period last year.
If the historical trend continues, 2025 would close with around 14 million heads slaughtered , implying a beef supply of nearly 3.2 million tons . This would mark the third consecutive year with slaughterings above the equilibrium level, once again jeopardizing the recovery of the cattle stock.
A complicated balance for the national rodeo
The last cycle closed with 13.9 million heads slaughtered and a calf production that barely replaced about 14.6 million, discounting natural mortality. The result: more than a million fewer heads in stock.
To stabilize the herd this year, repeating this level of slaughter, the calf-to-cow ratio would have to improve by about five percentage points, going from 65% to over 70% at weaning, after several years stagnating at 63%.
More kilos per animal: key to sustaining supply
In addition to the number of heads, Rosgan emphasizes that production depends on the weight achieved per animal . In the first seven months, steer slaughter grew 12% compared to last year, reaching approximately 650,000 heads .
This translated into a 2% increase in meat production, with 45 to 50 kilos more per head of cattle compared to young bulls. The current average weight is 287 kilos per head of cattle for young bulls and 239 kilos for young bulls .
Breeding and feedlots are beginning to regain prominence.
Of the 7.2 million calves that left breeding fields, 77% were reared in the field and 23% went directly to feedlots. This recovery in rearing is explained by the improvement in grazing conditions following the drought.
The feedlot remains key to the final finish, providing control and quality in the meat that reaches the market.
The slaughter of females, a warning point
Although cow slaughter has begun to moderate after two years of high extraction due to drought, the situation is different for heifers , whose slaughter grew 6% this year and has accumulated a 10% increase in three years. This means 800,000 fewer cows in the stock .
For Rosgan, achieving moderation in this category will be essential to avoid restricting the meat supply in the coming cycles.
📌 Conclusion: The challenge for the Argentine livestock sector is to find a balance between extraction and replacement, improving reproductive rates, and increasing the number of kilos per animal to ensure the sustainability of the business.
