Floods in Rio Grande do Sul have been affecting the transportation of live pigs to slaughter, of pork meat to wholesale markets and of inputs used in the activity, according to a recent market report from Cepea.

Players surveyed by Cepea report that bridges and roads that connect important producing areas, such as Vale do Taquari, Serra Gaúcha and Santa Maria, were destroyed.

Swine farmers from Serra Gaúcha and Santa Rosa have been having difficulties to close deals inside and outside the states in early May, due to logistical issues. It is important to mention that some cities that Cepea does not follow were more severely affected by rains.

In 2023, Rio Grande do Sul slaughtered 9.2 million animals, accounting for 20% of total slaughters in that year. Therefore, the state slaughtered the third highest number of animals in Brazil in 2023. Moreover, Rio Grande do Sul is an important exporter of pork meat, being responsible for 23.1% of the volume sold in 2023.