Livestock: Good Numbers in the Midst of the Crisis

During the first quarter of the year in Costa Rica 99,662 cattle were slaughtered, 4% more than reported in the same period in 2019, which is largely explained by shipments to the market in China.

Thursday, April 30, 2020

Although the spread of covid-19 has negatively impacted most economic sectors worldwide, data from the Livestock Corporation (Corfoga) detail that between January and March 2019 and the same period of 2020, the number of cattle slaughtered increased by 3981, from 95681 to 99662.

See "Processed meats and their post-quarantine demand"

Luis Diego Obando, executive director of Corfoga, told Nacion.com that this rise in the number of cattle slaughtered is explained by "... the gradual reopening of economic activity in China, on the other hand, made that in April orders for Costa Rican beef resumed in that market."

Even in this context of health crisis, beef sellers ensure that demand remains stable. Sergio Alfaro, owner of Carnes Lorena located in Ciudad Quesada, said that "... it is estimated a drop of between 8% and 10% in sales to the public. This is because there are fewer people on the street."

According to Corfoga's figures so far this year, it is estimated that consumption per person per year remains at 2.35 kilograms (4.3 pounds), which is similar to the 2.59 kilograms (4.3 pounds) per capita with which it closed 2019.

The interactive information system of CentralAmericaData states that if mobility restrictions are maintained for two months in the country, consumption in Costa Rican households of beef after the quarantine is lifted could fall by 2%, when compared to demand levels prior to the health crisis.

Consult for country-specific forecasts in the interactive report "Information System: Covid-19 and Business Outlook."

Click here to request access.

¿Busca soluciones de inteligencia comercial para su empresa?



More on this topic

Livestock: Less Sales due to Restrictions

September 2020

In Guatemala, for the months when the quarantine was most severe, sales of live cattle were cut in half due to movement restrictions, lack of transportation, and market closures.

Due to the covid-19 outbreak, authorities agreed to impose severe restrictions on the circulation of people during April, May, June, and July, including total closures of the economy during several weekends.

Nicaragua: Increase in Number of Birds Denounced

January 2020

Businessmen in the sector say that for the last two years the theft of livestock and illegal slaughtering of animals has been on the rise.

Representatives of the Federation of Livestock Associations of Nicaragua (Faganic) reported that another situation that affects them is the shortage of credit for producers.

Costa Rica: More Imported Meat, Less Local Meat

February 2017

Between 2012 and 2016 imports of beef in the country doubled, going from $24 million to $50 million, while in the same period local cattle slaughter fell by 17%.

Figures from the Livestock Development Corporation (CORFOGA) indicate that consumption of imported beef has grown steadily in recent years.  In 2010 the country imported 4,731 tons, while in 2016 the figure was 9,406 tons. 

Costa Rica: Productivity in the Livestock Sector

September 2016

Increasing the percentage of deliveries and optimizing the use of fodder will help raise productivity and improve conditions for competing with other export markets.

A pilot plan which is being promoted by the Livestock Corporation (CORFOGA) and which is already being implemented in 93 producing farms aims to improve productivity in cattle breeding and milk in the country.

ok