Beef farming drying up on plains

Ranchers are being forced to sell their cattle as a drought converts much of the Argentinian pampas into a dry and desolate wasteland.

The sweeping grasslands are a key part of Argentinian identity, stretching for one million sq km. It was once one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. But as a result of the drought an estimated 1.5 million cattle have died.

Many farmers are simply giving up on cattle altogether and switching to growing wheat or soy. "I've sold my entire herd," said Hector Gomez, a sixth-generation cattle farmer. "Next year I will plant soy."

Mike Skowonek came to Argentina from the United States six years ago. He now owns 1000ha of prime grazing land and about 600 head of cattle. "My herd is in pretty good shape. I got some rain a few weeks ago ... But all around me are ranchers who are really suffering. Their cattle are dying."

The once-mighty Salado River crosses cattle country. Even in the hottest summers it usually has a substantial flow of water. But this year it has dried up completely, just a patchwork of cracked mud. Besides the drought, Argentina's once powerful cattle industry has also been hit by Government pricing policies on beef.

The Government restricts exports of beef to keep the domestic prices low. But the result has been that farmers can barely afford to feed their animals.

Dr Hugo Biolcati, the head of Sociedad Rural, Argentina's oldest farmers' group, said: "Between the ridiculously high export taxes on our products and the limits on exports of things such as beef and wheat, it is impossible to make a living in this country."

- OBSERVER