Minerva stoppages hit slaughter hard, down 15%

Slaughter activity slowed sharply, falling below 50,000 head. In the week ending May 26, a total of 47,471 head were processed, a 15.4% drop (–8,648) compared to the previous week, according to INAC. Steer slaughter totaled 23,132 head (–23.2%), cows 17,123 (–2.4%), and heifers 6,250 (–18.4%).

Last week’s slaughter was distorted by labor conflicts affecting three of Minerva’s four plants—Canelones, Carrasco, and BPU—which saw a sharp reduction in activity. These three plants processed only 1,795 head compared to 10,139 the previous week (–8,594 head), accounting for nearly the entire week-on-week industry decline.

The most active plants during the week were: Tacuarembó–Marfrig (7,149), Pul–Minerva (4,434), San Jacinto–Urgal (4,053), and Pando–Urgal (3,893). This week will have one less slaughter day due to the non-working holiday for Meatpacker Workers’ Day, celebrated on Wednesday, May 28.