The Department of Agriculture of the United States (USDA), through its service in Buenos Aires, released its vision for the livestock sector in 2024.
It envisages an initial stock of 52.5 million heads, 1.6 less than in 2023 which, in turn, is 600 thousand more than a year ago.
There were weaning of 14.2 million calves, 500 thousand more than this year. And a task of 13.4 million, or 900 thousand less which, in turn, will be a figure very similar to 2022.
This 6% reduction in slaughterhouses will translate into a 3% reduction in meat production, as they are considering an increase from 225 kg of slaughtered meat per animal this year to 233 next year.
Cattle slaughter is projected to be 5.8 million, 850 thousand less than in 2023 and 300 thousand less than in 2022.
Exports stand at 900 thousand tec, 7% more than in 2023 and 9% more than in 2022.
Due to the coefficient used in the US for the equivalence between boneless meat and bone-in meat (10% lower than the one we continue to use in Argentina even though it was calculated many decades ago) that the projection is equal to 1 million tons according to the coefficient of local use.
The report shows that this is the highest number of exports in 60 years, a statement that can be continued back to the year 1924, that is, 100 years.
As a result, the volume of domestic consumption will be 2.22 million tons, resulting in about 47 kg per capita, four times less than this year, according to our calculation based on USDA figures.
The change in drought conditions affecting the country and the questions about the policy to be implemented from the new government have a big role in the expected numbers, which show that two out of three coalitions or parties with more votes in PASO promises to be important. changes in terms of economic policy to favor the sector.
