Livestock farming incorporates new technologies and brings generations together in Tocantins, Brazil

A visit to Agropecuária Água Benta, located in Ponte Alta, Tocantins, offers a glimpse into the contrasting approaches to cattle farming between André Seabra, a 39-year-old farmer, and his grandparents, Ivone and Zenon Pinto, who are 82 and 90 years old, respectively. The farm is home to 700 cattle, predominantly of the Nelore breed, with a focus on raising calves.

André was among the 486 local farmers who benefited from an artificial insemination program aimed at genetically improving the beef cattle stock. This program was a component of the Integrated and Sustainable Regional Development Project of Tocantins (PDRIS), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the state government. This gave André access to cutting-edge technologies that were beyond his grandparents' wildest dreams in their youth.

In 2021, PDRIS allocated R$ 5 million (US$921,000) across 92 municipalities, resulting in the insemination of 87,000 female cattle. In exchange for the semen doses they received, farmers were required to hire a veterinarian to oversee the insemination process.

Agropecuária Água Benta, which previously managed 250 cattle, was provided with 350 doses of semen. André's objective was to expand the herd, particularly the number of female cattle, and to enhance the overall quality of the stock. Initially, his grandparents, with over four decades of experience in cattle farming, were doubtful of the new method.

"I've never used artificial insemination for my cattle. I've always relied on breeding bulls to mate with the cows. When André introduced this innovation, I was hesitant. I said, 'It's not what I'm used to, but if you're set on trying it, go ahead.' I consented, and it's proving successful," the family patriarch admitted.

The affordability and quick results of the program won over the skeptical couple. "It was quite impressive," Ivone remarked. "I wish we had access to such opportunities earlier. Had I known about such a project, I would have definitely pursued it."

André explained the economic and practical benefits: "Purchasing a breeding bull is costly and comes with various risks, from transport to the chance of the animal succumbing to disease on the farm. Plus, you're limited in genetic variety with just one bull. Artificial insemination allows you to use semen from multiple top-quality bulls at a cost of no more than R$ 120 per dose." He estimated that without PDRIS, achieving these results would have taken at least two more years.

The family now aspires to continue enhancing the genetic quality of their herd to cultivate traits that are prized in contemporary cattle farming: rapid weight gain, early maturity for reproduction, and strong milk production.

André lauded the program for its accessibility: "This initiative has opened up opportunities for small-scale farmers to access technology and significantly improve the state's cattle stock with minimal red tape."

Food safety

The importance of an improved and efficient production process cannot be overstated in Tocantins, where cattle farming accounts for 30% of the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 16% of its exports.

"The genetic improvement program was so triumphant that it persisted even after PDRIS concluded in December 2021, now funded by the state," said Mauricio Fregonesi, the project manager from the Tocantins government.

The project's success also paved the way for the development of seven new slaughterhouses, a plan set in motion at the outset of PDRIS to bolster the state's food safety. Three of these facilities are slated to begin operations this year, while the others are still under construction. These establishments will adhere to stringent health standards and will treat all waste before releasing it back into the environment.

Fatima Amazonas, who co-managed the project for five years, recalled the pre-project conditions: "Previously, there were numerous illegal slaughterhouses, with cattle being butchered under trees and meat sold in unregulated open-air markets, all under very poor conditions."

On a national scale, Tocantins has made significant strides, as evidenced by data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Between 2022 and 2023, the state was among the leading contributors to the increase in cattle slaughter nationwide. In 2023, Tocantins ranked eighth in the country for beef exports, with 4.4% of Brazil's total beef sales originating from the state.

With the continued investments from the project, there is an expectation to further enhance the state's agricultural sector's prominence, always prioritizing quality while integrating innovative technologies and uniting generations of farmers, just as at Agropecuária Água Benta.