Top global meatpacker JBS prepares for drop in cattle for slaughter in 2026

The logo of JBS S.A, the world's largest beef producer, is pictured at a plant of JBS in Santana do Araguaia, Para state, Brazil September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo
The logo of JBS S.A, the world's largest beef producer, is pictured at a plant of JBS in Santana do Araguaia, Para state, Brazil September 11, 2025. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli/File Photo

Brazilian meatpacker JBS is prepared for a likely shift in the country’s cattle cycle that could lead to reduced availability of animals for slaughter next year

    by Roberto Samora – Reuters

JBS is the world’s largest meat producer and Brazil, the No. 1 beef exporter. A decrease in cattle supply in the South American country would come at a time when other meat producing nations, including the United States, face similar shortages.

 
 “We are preparing through partnerships, contracts, and close relationships with ranchers to preserve our volumes”

“The imminence of the cattle cycle shift brings challenges. We are preparing through partnerships, contracts, and close relationships with ranchers to preserve our volumes,” said Eduardo Pedroso, Executive Director of Origination at Friboi JBS.

Brazil has experienced a significant increase in cattle slaughter over the past 24 months due to oversupply, which allowed for higher processing rates in the country’s meat industry. However, signs now point to reduced supply next year.

“With crop-livestock integration, tech adoption, earlier slaughter age, and productivity gains, cycle impacts can be softened. That’s what we expect,” he added.

According to consultancy Datagro, cattle slaughter in the country is expected to drop over 9% in 2026 from this year, reaching 37.1 million animals, after estimated jumps of more than 16% between 2023 and 2024 and 3% from 2024 to 2025.

 

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