Argentina's Beef Production Up 3% Amid Favorable Corn Economics
Argentina's cattle sector is experiencing an uptick in beef production due to favorable corn economics and strong export demand, according to a recent report by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service.
The forecast for beef production in 2027 stands at 3.14 million metric tons carcass-weight equivalent, representing a 3% increase from 2026 levels despite only a slight rise in cattle slaughter to 12.8 million head.
Low feed costs and high feeder-cattle prices are encouraging producers to retain cattle longer and add weight, with it now taking only 58 kilograms of finished steer value to buy one metric ton of corn compared to an average of 102 kilograms between 2016-2025.
Feedlot occupancy reached a record 76% in July, six percentage points above the previous year's level, as export-oriented meatpackers seek heavier, better-marbled cattle to compete for higher-value markets.