Beef production to fall in 2010
Meat production in Argentina rose slightly during the first five months of 2009, however, production is expected to fall in 2010.
A report from the Board of the Argentine Beef Industry (CICCRA), said: "The statistics would indicate that the activity reached a new high during 2008 and that during 2009, the industry can only sustain it. However, the outlook for 2010 would be contraction."
The severe drought that severely affected the country's agricultural area boosted the livestock sales, causing meat production (on the bone) to rise to 1.4 million tonnes between January and May, 10.5% higher than during the same period in 2008. Livestock sales rose in order to prevent weight loss of the animals in the fields as a result of drought. As a result there has been a drop in the herd which will lead to a decline in meat production next year.
According to the CICCRA—whose members are mainly packers producing for the domestic market—per capita consumption of beef in Argentina rose 4.6% year-on -year, to 69.7 pounds per year.
