Development, characteristics, and trends for beef cattle production in Argentina

Abstract

• The production of agricultural commodities has historically been linked to the development and traditions of a country. Argentina has traditionally produced beef, and the country maintains one of the largest consumptions of beef per capita worldwide. However, the absence of clear long-term policies and strategies to stimulate beef cattle production; characteristics of commercial procedures; the interests of export companies and domestic markets; environmental constraints, such as prolonged unpredicted droughts; and the availability versus potential adoption of technological tools have affected producer management decisions and profitability, as well as the overall beef cattle business. • The main challenge the Argentinean beef cattle industry will face in the coming years is its recovery from a severe reduction in inventory. This can be overcome by improvements in reproductive performance and the calf crop, and by limiting the number of heifers and cows slaughtered. In our view, these actions should be supported by an aggressive export policy and by encouraging long-term beef cattle production programs by region. • Although scientists and some policy makers in Argentina are aware of the relevance of sustainability criteria (having a safe food supply; maintaining biodiversity, clean water, and air by minimizing emissions and contamination), sustainability is focused mainly on the preservation of natural resources, that is, diminishing the impact of erosion and recovering degraded soils and rangelands. Unfortunately, most of what is known about the preservation of natural resources is still declamatory, and concrete action to apply sustainability criteria to beef cattle systems remains within the academic and policy planning arenas. • Argentina has succeeded in reaching an animal health status that has benefited beef quality and exports. However, concrete action on sustainability, animal welfare, and describable beef quality for grass-fed and feedlot-finished cattle would help expand future markets, both domestic and export, and provide the world with the high-quality product for which Argentina is recognized.