The 'estancia' business profitability in Argentina during the great expansion. The 'Estancias y Colonias Curamalan' case (1880-1928)

Abstract

"Estancias" and Argentine ranchers are a key component in economic history debates during the period from the late 19th century to the early 20th century. This article presents a new case: "Estancias y Colonias La Curumalán". This particular case serves as a model due to its size and management of livestock, as well as its financial resources and troubles. Originally established by Eduardo Casey in the 1880s, it came under the ownership of the Baring Brothers financial company, following the 1890s crisis. Drawing from sources in the Archive of this institution, an analysis is conducted on the economic, asset-related, and financial evolution of the "estancia", as well as its management model, between 1884 and 1928. This provides an insight into the profitability of the "estancia" business during the central period of the Argentina agro-export economic boom.