Calf price recovery

In 2024, Brazil experienced a significant increase in beef prices, which led to a shake-up in the livestock market. The price rise was attributed to a decrease in supply and an increase in demand for calves for rearing, resulting in a 26% increase in the price of Nelore calves in Minas Gerais by January 2025. Despite economic challenges, the second half of 2025 is expected to see a surge in breeding activity due to high export rates and genetic improvement of livestock. Manoel Lúcio Pontes Morais, the State Technical Coordinator for Cattle Farming at Emater-MG, emphasized the importance of improving practices and genetic improvement of animals to increase profitability. He also highlighted the Pró-Genética program, which aims to facilitate the purchase of genetically improved bulls and females through fairs and auctions, as a strategy to boost the industry.

In 2024, beef prices rose by R$20.8% (IBGE), shaking up the entire livestock market. 2025 began with a drop in the product, due to the greater supply of animals, pasture-raised cattle, but many experts are betting on a turnaround in the livestock cycle in the second half of the year. Livestock farmers have seen an increase in demand for animals for rearing, which is contributing to a rise in calf prices. With the increase in activity in the country, Emater-MG expects a resumption of investments in the sector, including fairs and auctions under the Pró-Genética program. According to data from Cepea (analyzed by Emater-MG), the upward trend in calves began in September 2024, when male Nelore (8 to 12 months) was priced at R$2,100.00. The price of a calf has been increasing every month, reaching R$2,650.00 in January of this year, that is, a 26% increase in the animal's value. Currently, the price of a Nelore calf in Minas Gerais is R$337.27 (March 3/Scott Consulting). “The prices ...