Cattle slaughter deepened its downward trend in the last week of August, reaching the lowest level in 25 weeks, since the first one of March. INAC reported that in the seven days to August 30, a total of 39,345 cattle entered plants, 4,490 fewer than the previous week, though 451 more than in the same week last year. The Monday 25 holliday was an important factor in the reduction of activity.
The weekly decline was mainly in steers, down 21% to 18,674 head; they accounted for 47.5% of slaughter, the lowest share in eight weeks. Cows fell by 854 head to 12,982, while heifers went against the overall trend, rising by 1,416 head to 7,180.
The most active plant was once again Marfrig-Tacuarembó (6,302 head), followed by Las Piedras (4,215) and Urgal-San Jacinto (4,024). With three active plants, Marfrig slaughtered 11,062 cattle, while Minerva, also in three plants, processed 7,791 animals, and the Urgal family, with two plants, 7,492 head.
For the time being, both Marfrig and Minerva will continue operating three plants. Although Canelones carried out slaughter on Monday and Tuesday, it was an audit and will suspend operations again starting Wednesday. For now, there is no date set for Marfrig-Colonia to resume activity, which may happen during next week.
After that, Marfrig will suspend activities at the Inaler and La Caballada plants, granting staff their annual leave. Therefore, when Colonia reopens, the company will be operating two of its four plants.
Cattle slaughter in August through the 30th (the 31st was a Sunday) totaled 188,677 head, 2,893 fewer than in the same month last year. It was the first month of the year in which cattle slaughter was lower than in the same period of the previous year.
