Calm in prices and business activity

Industry price lists for cattle purchases remained unchanged over the past week, with reference prices of US$ 3.50 per kg carcass weight for regular steers and US$ 3.20 for finished cows. Although some deals were closed, a market intermediary told WBR that producers are “holding their ground and refusing to sell at these prices,” and considered it “possible” that some price movement could occur next week.

“The feeling is that the industry hasn’t secured enough cattle at these new prices to sustain its slaughter levels,” he added.

Weather conditions continue to favor producers, with an almost spring-like winter featuring high temperatures and recurring rainfall—so much so that in some regions, road conditions have once again become difficult for transport.

“Any producer selling today is doing so out of financial necessity; there’s plenty of pasture in the fields,” he said.