Buena Noches from Argentina

Argentina is an excellent environment for raising beef cattle.  Their wide open flat plains which stretch for 100’s of kilometres afford a variety of soil conditions for growing native grass, artificial pasture (planted, alfalfa, clover, triticale etc) and crops.  The only set back seems to be the inability of the soil to drain when it rains and the potential for water laying around.  

The cattle are a moderate size but excellent quality and in the Pampas region 80% or more of the animals are Angus.  Calving begins in August and most facilities are set up as birth to slaughter and cattle are raised entirely on grass unless supplemental grain is needed in a bad year.  Feedlots are beginning to dot the landscape and a growing percentage of beef is finished this way.  

Operations are large, labour is inexpensive and the majority of work is done by the gauchos on horseback.  The system allows them to raise high quality beef in a low cost model.  Crops are planted in areas of the farms with good soil and serve as a method of diversified income to the farm.

 All of the farms I visited with are part of a group who all have the same management consultant.  There are 12 farms involved in total and they get together once a month to share ideas.  Each farm takes a turn at hosting the meeting and it turns into an all day event.  The farms share all their information including financial data and provide constructive criticism, news, and solutions to problems others are facing.  I ran across a similar system in both Australia and Ireland.  I think these types of groups are important for farmers to be a part of.  Perhaps this is something the beef industry in Canada needs to take a closer look at? 

My trip is nearly done now.  My official Nuffield travels are also coming to a close.  It is a little sad but on the other hand I am excited to begin earnestly sharing what I have learned and putting ideas into action on the farm in Ontario. 'Till next time.