A feedlot with a static capacity of 33,000 head is under construction in the department of Durazno and is expected to become the country’s largest cattle feeding operation.
The project, located in the north of the department, is currently authorized to hold 15,000 animals, but the investment plans to significantly expand that capacity once the different stages of construction are completed.
Durazno Mayor Felipe Algorta told Valor Agregado that “within a few months, the country’s largest feedlot will probably be located here in Durazno.” He added that another four feedlots operate within a 30-kilometer radius, consolidating the department as one of Uruguay’s main intensive beef production hubs.
Algorta said the growth of these investments requires the departmental government to plan specific infrastructure projects to accommodate the increased activity. He also highlighted their impact on job creation and the area’s economic development.
The share of feedlot-finished cattle has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue growing. INAC Information Manager Jorge Acosta said grain-finished cattle registered under a feedlot DICOSE number accounted for 10% of total slaughter in 2017, compared with 23% so far this year. With slaughter totaling 1.38 million head through August 29, this represents around 315,000-320,000 cattle.
