Soy Displaces Cattle as Main Farm Activity in Argentina
ARGENTINA - Soy beans has become the main commodity of Argentina’s rich farmland displacing other traditional industries such as cattle breeding and dairy farming, according to studies and statistics from the country’s main breeders organization the Rural Society.
18 February 2008
1 minute read
However the 2007/08 crop is estimated to reach 47 million tons, similar to last year’s season because of lack of rainfall which is going to impact on yields.
The “soyzation process” as it has been identified in Argentina has steadily advanced since 2002, taking prime land from other activities such as beef and dairy produce which made the country world known. Furthermore the Kirchner administrations insistence in keeping prices low for the domestic market has further discouraged cattle (fattening) breeders and dairy farmers during the last 24 months, according to the industries organizations.
Soybeans on the other hand provide higher profits (international prices doubled in 12 months), demands less planting investment and are more resilient to adverse climatic conditions and diseases.
Source: MercoPress
