Tight supply pushes finished male prices to record highs in March

Despite uncertainty and the impacts of the conflict in the Middle East, Brazil’s cattle market remained firm throughout March. According to Cepea, finished male prices started the month at high levels, sustaining February values, supported by limited availability of market-ready cattle and active external demand.

The CEPEA/ESALQ Indicator averaged R$/@ 350.18 in March, compared to R$/@ 342.25 in February. Toward the end of the month, the arroba reached R$/@ 356.00, the highest nominal value in the series. In real terms, the monthly average was the highest since February 2022.

Rainfall supported pasture development and allowed producers to retain cattle longer on farms, keeping supply tight. With short plant bookings, processors had to accept gradual price increases to secure volumes.