Trends and Drivers of Change of Pastoral Beef Production Systems in a Mediterranean-Temperate Climate Zone of Chile

Abstract

Simple Summary: Livestock production systems show modifications over time due to both internal and external variables. The relationships between internal variables allow the definition of typological groups of production systems. Knowing the typological groups and their temporal evolution allows the identification of continuity strategies at the private and public levels. With this aim and using data from livestock surveys conducted in 2009, 2011, 2013 and 2015, four typological groups of beef production in a Mediterranean-temperate climate zone of Chile were identified. The typological groups differed in size, productive orientation, breeds used, and response to changes in external variables, among other aspects. These groups require different continuity strategies, which include, their sustainable intensification and the need to focus on pastoral production using low external inputs to enhance the production of "natural" beef for high-value niche markets. Abstract:The present study used surveys of the cattle sector over the period of 2009-2015 to develop a typology of cattle farms to evaluate their evolution over time and to identify variables that may be associated with systems' adaptive changes and continuance. Four groups of farms were defined using multivariate analyses as follows: Group I are small calf-cow operations using non-specialized beef breeds; Group II is similar to Group I but employs specialized beef breeds; Group III is dedicated to finishing cattle, and Group IV are larger farms (>1000 animals) with a complete cycle of breeding and fattening. In general, beef cattle production in the temperate-Mediterranean Southern Zone of Chile is declining in response to the opening up of the economy that allows for ample imports, the high opportunity cost of land, and recurrent droughts associated with climate change. Current policies and regulations have modified farms' businesses models depending on their ease of access to markets, farm size and financial capacity. The defined groups require different development paths and strategies. Sustainable intensification is an alternative strategy for farms in Group I and II, particularly if they were to contract the finishing stage of their cattle with Group III farms. In contrast, it is suggested that Group IV farms concentrate on pastoral production using low external inputs to enhance the production of "natural" beef for high-value niche markets, with positive externalities.

Sustainability Assessment of Extensive Cattle and Sheep Production Systems in Southern Chile

“…It is higher (0.6 LU/ha) than that of other extensive livestock farming systems in Spain (Franco et al, 2012;Ripoll-Bosch et al, 2012). However, it is similar to that of pastoral beef production systems and cattle and sheep pasture systems of Southern Chile (Toro-Mujica et al, 2019;Avilez et al, 2018), and lower than that of other livestock farming systems in the State of Veracruz, Mexico (around 1 LU/ha) (Chalate-Molina et al, 2010). The Farm profit in 2017 was 10957 €.…”

“…This involves controlling mating periods by separating males from females (Avilez et al, 2018). With the improvement of soils, the production of grain and hay in marginal areas could be increased (more Self-reliance and Productivity) (Demanet, 2017;Toro-Mujica et al, 2019;Reyes et al, 2020;Ruiz et al, 2020). The sowing of legumes for the improvement of pastures is very changeable from one year to another and depends on Government policy (Table 4).…”

“…Production of ruminant meat should ideally be based on pastoral systems using low external inputs, considering food security and resulting in positive externalities. Profitability of this type of production can be enhanced through highvalue niche markets (Toro-Mujica et al, 2019). However, although extensive livestock systems generally have a better environmental behaviour than intensive systems, their profitability is quite low (Bernués et al, 2011(Bernués et al, , 2018Tessema et al, 2014;Niamir-Fuller, 2016), particularly in small farms (Avilez et al, 2018).…”

“…Most beef production in Southern Chile is extensive, relying on native and sown pastures and cereal stubbles. Strong seasonality of forage production forces producers to supplement animals with alfalfa or red clover hay, and wheat straw (Toro-Mujica et al, 2019). An earlier study conducted by Avilez et al (2018) characterized extensive, grazing-based cattle and sheep production systems in marginal areas of southern Chile.…”

Evaluation of Feed Strategies and Changes of Stocking Rate to Decrease the Carbon Footprint in a Traditional Cow-Calf System: A Simulation Model

“…The baseline scenario corresponded to the traditional cow–calf production system (Group I) identified by Toro-Mujica et al ( 53 ). The definition of a cow–calf production system within the simulation model includes the month of the production cycle initiation, stocking rate, age, weight of cows, pasture areas, type and time of use of the pastures, cow fertility, duration of lactation, and cow and calf mortality, as well as data referring to the use of inputs for grassland fertilization.…”