Brazil surpasses 9.2 million cattle on feed in 2025

Brazil reached 9.25 million cattle on feed in 2025, a 16% increase from the previous year, according to the 2025 Feedlot Census released by DSM-Firmenich.

The activity is spread across 2,445 operations in 1,095 municipalities, consolidating the expansion of the intensive beef production system.

Mato Grosso remains the country’s leader, with 2.2 million cattle on feed and a strong 29.6% year-on-year increase. It is followed by São Paulo and Goiás, both with 1.4 million head (+7.7% and +13.6%, respectively). Mato Grosso do Sul reached 900 thousand head (+17.8%), and Minas Gerais completes the top five with 800 thousand head, stable compared to the previous cycle.

The survey shows a marked concentration: the 100 largest feedlot operators account for 45% of total confined cattle, reflecting a sustained process of professionalization and greater operational scale.

According to the company, sector growth is supported by the adoption of nutritional and management technologies, along with a favorable market environment. The report states that Brazil is experiencing a “spring in the cattle cycle,” with prices surpassing the 2022 peaks throughout the chain, from the finished male to calves and beef in the domestic market.

Source: Estadão.