Argentina-More beef cuts eligable for export.

ARGENTINA-ADDITIONAL BEEF CUTS FOR EXPORT.

The government on Friday announced its decision to speed up exports of another two high value cuts which are flank tenders and knuckles, which currently must be sold on the domestic market.

The announcement was made by the Federal Tax Bureau AFIP along with the Farm Trade Control Agency ONCCA.

The move has been requested by the farmers committee that is currently in talk with the government.

The major problem in the Argentine beef industry is the slaughter of yearling calves at the weight of 300 kilos live for the domestic market, despite incentives the farmers will not take these cattle on to 600-650 kilos like the rest of the world and prefer to cash them in rather than finish them.

The beef production in Argentine could in fact be doubled with the existing herd numbers. Which today stand at 53 million head of cattle, three million head less than this time last year.

Cattle are brought into the yard at this time of the year and the good calves go strait for slaughter at the cows go back into the paddock for autumn calving.

The domestic market which consumes 83% of the beef produced is geared for this splendid yearling beef, however a further 12 months in the paddock would see them double in size.

Cattle for the Hilton quota are taken to 550 kilos minimum and receive a premium price, however the traceability meats they are liable for tax, as tax evasion is a national sport in Argentina, most farmers prefer to sell the calves for folding money.