Cattle slaughter was the lowest since Easter week

As expected, there was a further decline in slaughterhouse activity last week. The suspension of operations at Tacuarembó plant, operated by Marfrig, added to the closure of Carrasco, operated by Minerva. A total of 23 plants were active, one less than the previous week and two less than two weeks ago.

INAC reported that in the week ending July 12, 41,166 cattle were slaughtered, 3,058 fewer than the previous week, though 22% above the same week last year.

In percentage terms, the sharpest drop was for cows, down 10% to 14,310 head, while steers fell 5% week-on-week to 19,735 (48% of the total), and heifers decreased 6% to 6,452.

The most active plants during the week were Las Piedras (4,977), Pando (3,681), and Minerva-Pulsa (3,667). With three active plants each, Marfrig processed 9,188 cattle and Minerva 8,708. The Urgal family, with two plants, processed 7,046.