Livestock Changes in Brazil and Sustainable Intensification Challenges

Abstract

The increasing global demand for animal products has impacted Brazilian cattle farming. This study aims to offer references for developing more sustainable livestock farming in Brazil. It analyzes the numbers of pasture areas, cattle herds, and stocking rates from 1970 to 2017, based on agricultural census data. Additionally, it compares pasture conditions using agricultural census data and satellite imagery for the years 2006 and 2017. The key findings include the following: (1) a 119.7% increase in cattle herds, with migration from the South and Southeast to the North and Central–West regions, which have lower land prices; (2) a 2.6% decrease in the pasture area for cattle (except in the North region); (3) a 3.8% decrease in areas in poor condition; and (4) a 125.5% increase in the stocking rate. Despite technological advancements improving productivity, most pastures (59.6%) are still underperforming, indicating potential for reducing the pressure on native vegetation. This study concludes that production areas are shifting between regions in Brazil, with livestock farming intensifying, marked by a decrease in pasture areas and degraded pastures, alongside an increase in cattle numbers and stocking rates. However, these changes are heterogeneous across the country. This analysis provides an overview of beef cattle nationwide, which is relevant for addressing production sustainability challenges.

Keywords

• agricultural censuses
• beef cattle
• pasture area
• pasture conditions
• stocking rate