Paraguayan beef production predominantly relies on an extensive system, accounting for 66% of the total output. According to data from the Paraguayan Association of Meat Producers and Exporters (APPEC), while this method, which utilizes vast pastures, enables low production costs, it suffers from a significant disadvantage: its productivity is heavily dependent on climate change and soil quality.

Current Status of Diverse Production Systems

Paraguay's beef production systems are broadly categorized into three types:

Extensive System (66%): This method involves grazing cattle on large natural pastures with minimal technological intervention. While highly cost-efficient due to abundant land, it is sensitive to climatic conditions, which can lead to fluctuations in production volume.
Semi-Intensive System (29%): This approach combines open pasture grazing with supplementary feed provision and incorporates modern hygiene management and technologies. It offers higher and more stable productivity than the extensive system, with greater control over environmental factors.
Intensive System (5%): In this system, cattle are raised in corrals under controlled environments with balanced feed. While it promises rapid growth and high productivity, it demands substantial investment costs and strict environmental management. Although this method offers the highest production efficiency, its adoption rate in Paraguay remains very low.

Declining Cattle Numbers and the Importance of Export Markets

The Paraguayan livestock industry is a crucial driver of the national economy, with meat exports, in particular, consistently growing in the international market and contributing significantly to the economy. However, in 2025, the total cattle population decreased by 3.23% compared to the previous year, with approximately 430,000 fewer cattle. This information was shared by José Carlos Martin, president of the National Animal Health and Quality Service (Senacsa), after the conclusion of the first round of foot-and-mouth disease vaccinations.

The decrease in cattle numbers could impact future beef production, raising concerns about a potential weakening of the competitiveness of Paraguayan beef, a key export commodity. Currently, Paraguay has begun its second period of vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease and bovine brucellosis, which is scheduled to run until June 20. These vaccination efforts are essential for maintaining the international credibility of Paraguayan beef and stabilizing its export markets.

 
Challenges for Sustainable Livestock Farming

Paraguay's livestock industry needs to leverage the advantages of its extensive system, based on abundant natural resources, while also making efforts to prepare for productivity fluctuations due to climate change and to meet the demands of the international market. This requires a policy approach that encourages the transition to semi-intensive and intensive systems, supports technology adoption, and strengthens the capacity of livestock farmers. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of the declining cattle numbers and the urgent formulation of long-term measures for creating a sustainable livestock environment are critical.