Sustainable Production of Calves Program provides strategic information to cattle ranchers in Cáceres

In July, Acrimat (Association of Breeders of Mato Grosso) brought together producers of Cáceres who participate in the Sustainable Calf Production Program, for a lecture with the objective of providing meat producers with information to improve the results of the breeding segment.

The talk was conducted by Acrimat's technical director, Francisco Manzi, who approached several aspects that impact the results of the segment, thus training the breeders on the adoption of techniques that will boost productivity, improve calf quality and may lead to economic gains for the property.

Photo: Acrimat

For example, Manzi talked about the planning of the breeding season and nutritional aspects, factors that may influence pregnancies, losses, and low weight of calves. "With this data in hand, breeders can devise strategies to become increasingly more efficient," he said.

Such direct contact aroused the interest of breeders Bruno França and Carlos Magno, in joining the Program. "After the lecture, we approached the local team and following that we had our first visit to the property, during which they performed a complete diagnosis of the farm and started off the advisory services," explained Bruno.

Carlos Magno (left) and Bruno França (right) during a visit by the Sustainable Production of Calves Program team, in August. Photo: IDH/Acrimat

The Pai Herói farm is a family business. The property has 180 hectares dedicated to full-cycle cattle ranching, with a total herd of 107 animals. Carlos Magno reports that he has been in the region for more than 20 years and this is the first time he has had advisory support. "I could never have expected such a wonderful visit, so kind to us. I am very happy. Very good," says the breeder enthusiastically.

França explains that the property is small, which means there is an increased need to optimize resources and add value to the products, without neglecting sustainability, with the preservation of the environment and the quality of life of the employees. "We appreciate the opportunity to be part of this program, especially considering that we are small and do not have access to such consulting services in a way that is easy, qualified and broad", he adds.

Acrimat also implements the Sustainable Production of Calves Program in farms in the Araguaia Valley, in the cities of Gaúcha do Norte, Paranatinga, Ribeirão Cascalheira and Poxoréu.

The Program began in 2019 and aspires to change the production and commercialization dynamics of the livestock chain, by improving the results of the livestock segment regarding economic, environmental, and social aspects. To this end, it is supported by investments from IDH, the Carrefour Group and the Carrefour Foundation. The program's goal is to support 557 cattle farmers in Mato Grosso, who operate in the Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal biomes, by the end of 2022. In addition to Acrimat, the Program also benefits from the implementation of Natcap Sustainable Solutions, in municipalities of the Juruena Valley.