Argentine Livestock Farming Faces Historic Challenges After Third Year of Drought

The third consecutive year of La Niña, a phenomenon that has only occurred twice in a century, is generating serious complications in livestock production in Argentina. The drought affects between 70% and 75% of the country’s cattle herd, according to specialists, and if it persists until December, this percentage could reach 90%. The lack of forage and grass translates into a critical scenario for the sector, with management strategies such as early weaning, reducing animal load, and increasing supplementation.

Despite the decline in meat sales to China, government obstacles, and a drop in consumption, the drought is presented as the main challenge for producers, who see the forage supply decreasing and face the need for strategies to maintain the health and reproduction of the cattle. The drop in pregnancies, early weaning, and adjustment of the animal load are some of the measures adopted, despite the high costs of supplementation.

This scenario not only affects the short term but also poses long-term challenges, with increased production costs and the need for more calves to cover them. In addition, the sector faces a deterioration in the quality of natural pasture, which could impact calf production. Climatic and economic uncertainty continues to be a critical factor for Argentine livestock farming, which seeks to adapt and find solutions to this historic drought.

Impact on Meat Quality and Management Strategies

Although drought affects the ability of fields to provide sufficient grass, it does not directly compromise the quality of the meat produced. However, producers are forced to take measures such as increasing supplementation to guarantee the weight and condition of the animals. Strategies such as early weaning seek to preserve the body condition of cows, improve pregnancy rates, and address forage shortages.

The increase in input costs and the need to adjust the animal load pose economic challenges for ranchers, who must seek balances between forage supply, market demand, and livestock reproduction. Argentine livestock farming is at a critical moment, where adaptability and strategic decision-making are key to facing the historic drought and its consequences in the sector.