The livestock market remains strong and shows significant increases again.

by August 14, 2025

During week 21, the Uruguayan livestock market showed increases in cattle and sheep. The ACG (Agricultural and Livestock Association) highlighted firmness and short arrivals, with increases in both live and meat. Cattle slaughter decreased, while sheep slaughter increased.

The traditional weekly meeting of the Livestock Consignors Association (ACG) was held this Monday at the Carrasco Club, where data from week 21, covering May 18-24, was reviewed. The analysis made it clear that the market remains strong and shows an upward trend in several categories.

Cattle: raise the meat on foot now

Regarding cattle, consignees summed up the situation with the phrase: "a firm market with limited supplies ," reflecting a dynamic of limited supply in the face of sustained demand.

The price of fat export steer, special category, rose 2 cents on the hoof, reaching US$2.62 , while the increase for beef was more marked, closing at US$4.77 , that is, 6 cents more than the previous week.

Special fat cow prices remained stable at US$2.28 , but beef prices rose 7 cents to US$4.51 . Special heifer prices rose 2 cents to US$2.42 while beef prices rose 5 cents to US$4.60 .

The overall averages also reflected this trend. Fat steers averaged US$2.52 live (+3 cents) and US$4.70 beef (+5 cents). Fat cows averaged US$2.18 live (+2 cents) and US$4.42 beef (+6 cents). Fat heifers, meanwhile, reached US$2.40 live and US$4.56 beef , both with increases of 2 and 5 cents, respectively.

Sheep: rising prices in all categories

In the sheep sector, the ACG described a "demanding market," with increases in all categories.

Lambs rose 2 cents to US$4.34 . Sheep also rose 2 cents to US$4.33 . Meanwhile, capons reached US$3.66 (up 1 cent) and ewes US $3.55 (up 1 cent) .

Replacement: lower supply and short business

Regarding replacement, the comment was clear: "lower supply, in line with the season, sustained demand, priority for short-term deals." This was reflected in a slight drop in prices for calves.

the calf fell 4 cents to US$2.88 , while the heifer fell 2 cents to US$2.55 . In contrast, the of the wintering cow rose 2 cents to US$1.89 .

Slaughter: sharp decline in cattle, rise in sheep

During the week, cattle slaughter totaled 47,471 animals , which represented a drop of 8,684 heads compared to the previous week (56,155).

Of the total slaughtered, 23,132 were steers (48.7%), 17,123 cows (36.1%), 6,250 heifers (13.2%), 185 calves (0.4%) and 781 bulls (1.6%).

On the other hand, in the case of sheep, the slaughter reached 13,049 animals , which represents an increase of 1,221 heads compared to the previous week. Of that total, 8,144 were lambs (62%), 960 sheep (7%), 156 capons (1%), 3,734 ewes (29%), and 55 rams (0%).

ACG President Otto Fernández Nystrom closed the day with a positive assessment of the market's strength, in a context where demand remains strong and supply continues to show some moderation.

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