The livestock sector in Santa Catarina ended 2025 with record-breaking results and significant consolidation in both domestic and international markets. Beef, chicken, and pork production reached record levels, while exports increased, reinforcing the state's position as one of the country's main animal protein hubs. This performance was supported by strong international demand, increased competitiveness, and productive efficiency in the field.<\/p>\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nAlexandre Lu\u00eds Giehl, a Socioeconomic and Rural Development analyst at Epagri\/Cepa, believes that 2026 is likely to be a favorable year for livestock farming in Santa Catarina. In poultry farming, the resumption of sales to China and the European Union should boost exports, while the domestic market may gain momentum with the appreciation of beef and improved income. In pig farming, exports remain strong, especially to Mexico, and the combination of consistent domestic demand and stable costs may improve profitability. In cattle farming, the lower supply of animals is supporting prices, although there are challenges in the foreign market.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn poultry farming, the reopening of markets such as China and the European Union tends to boost exports, and chicken should gain ground in domestic consumption. Pig farming maintains good external performance and may see improved margins in the domestic market. In beef farming, the more restricted supply sustains prices, but Chinese taxation above the quota may limit sales. The agreement between Mercosur and the European Union is positive for all sectors, although its effects should be perceived later,\u201d says Alexandre Lu\u00eds Giehl.<\/p>\n
In the video below, Alexandre Lu\u00eds Giehl, from Epagri\/Cepa, talks about how the combination of strong external demand, productive efficiency, and a strengthened domestic market led Santa Catarina to register these historical records in livestock farming in 2025.<\/p>\n
Beef cattle farming<\/h4>\n
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Prices for finished cattle fluctuated throughout 2025, but began to rise more sharply from August onwards, driven by strong national exports and increased domestic demand at the end of the year. Comparing December 2025 to December 2024, with values adjusted by the IGP-DI (General Price Index - Domestic Supply), there were increases in Santa Catarina (2.3%), Paran\u00e1 (3.3%), Goi\u00e1s (0.3%) and Mato Grosso do Sul (0.2%). However, Rio Grande do Sul, Minas Gerais, Mato Grosso and S\u00e3o Paulo registered a real decrease.<\/p>\n
In Santa Catarina, six of the ten regions experienced price increases, notably Alto Vale do Itaja\u00ed (16.1%) and Planalto Sul (11.8%). At the wholesale level, beef prices rose by an average of 4.7% during the year. Production costs also increased. The price of calves rose by a real 13.4% in 2025, and that of steers by 5.2%, putting pressure on producers' margins.<\/p>\n
Exports hit a record high, helping to consolidate the previously described upward trend. Brazil shipped 3.46 million tons of beef in 2025, generating revenue of US$17.94 billion.<\/p>\n
China maintained its leading position among destinations, and Santa Catarina exported 2,670 tons, with revenue of US$12 million.<\/p>\n
Cattle production in Santa Catarina reached a historic result. In 2025, 761,300 head of cattle were slaughtered in the state, a volume 11.2% higher than that recorded in the previous year. Of the total, females accounted for 55.5% of the slaughter, a movement that signals a change in the Santa Catarina cattle cycle.<\/p>\n
For 2026, the expectation is for a lower supply of animals and an increase in the price of finished cattle. In the international scenario, the trade protection measure imposed by China brings uncertainty, while the Mercosur-European Union agreement opens up opportunities in the medium term.<\/p>\n
Poultry farming<\/h4>\n
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Poultry farming in Santa Catarina ended 2025 with record production, strong exports, and a positive outlook for 2026. Live chicken prices rose 4.1% in Santa Catarina year-on-year, with the Mid-West region standing out (+10.9%). At the wholesale level, however, cuts closed the year with an average decrease of 2.7%, pressured by increased domestic supply and embargoes related to avian influenza.<\/p>\n
Brazil exported 5.16 million tons of chicken meat in 2025, and Santa Catarina accounted for 1.20 million tons, with record revenue of US$2.45 billion. State production reached 910.5 million chickens, the best result since 2014.<\/p>\n
For 2026, the expectation is for sustained growth driven by exports, with a recovery in markets such as China and the European Union, in addition to increased domestic consumption due to the upward trend in beef prices. The scenario is favorable, contingent on maintaining strict sanitary measures.<\/p>\n
Pig farming<\/h4>\n
Pig farming ended 2025 with record production and exports, despite price fluctuations throughout the year. After a sharp drop at the beginning of 2025, the market gradually recovered. Comparing January and December, live pig prices rose in all major states. In Santa Catarina, the increase was 3.7% (considering inflation during the period). At the wholesale level, pork saw significant appreciation, with an average increase of 11.1% in the main cuts.<\/p>\n
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Production costs increased moderately. In December, the full-cycle cost in Santa Catarina was R$ 6.48 per kilogram, 5.7% higher than in December 2024. Feed remains the main component, accounting for 71.5% of the total cost. Piglet prices also rose during the year, but, on the other hand, the exchange rate between live pigs and corn improved, benefiting the producer.<\/p>\n
Exports were the highlight. Brazil shipped 1.47 million tons of pork in 2025, generating US$3.58 billion in revenue, the best result in the historical series. Santa Catarina accounted for 748,800 tons and US$1.85 billion, leading the national ranking with more than 50% of the country's exports. Production in Santa Catarina also hit a record, with 18.3 million pigs, an increase of 2.1% and the highest volume in history.<\/p>\n
For 2026, the expectation is for continued growth, supported by market diversification, strong external demand, and a heated domestic market. The Mercosur-European Union agreement opens up opportunities in the medium term, while the possible restriction of exports to Mexico requires attention. Overall, the scenario is positive for pig farming, with costs under control and good profitability prospects.<\/p>\n
Santa Catarina Agricultural Bulletin<\/h4>\n
The Agricultural Bulletin is a monthly publication produced by the Center for Socioeconomics and Agricultural Planning of Epagri (Cepa). This edition gathers updated information on production, prices, climate, and the market, serving as a barometer of the performance of agribusiness in Santa Catarina. The complete content of this month is available here.\u00a0link<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\nTHE Bela Cereais<\/strong> works with the best grains on the market and also keeps you up to date with the latest news and analyses on agribusiness.
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