COLLEGE STATION, TX – Brazil is making strides toward competing with the U.S. in Japan’s premium beef market. Recent genetic and nutritional improvements in Brazil’s cattle industry are narrowing the gap in beef quality. Historically known for lean, grass-fed Nellore cattle, Brazil is now investing heavily in crossbreeding and grain-based finishing.
Angus genetics have surged in popularity, with British breeds comprising a third of all beef semen sales in 2024. More than 14.6 million cows were artificially inseminated, while 420,000 purebred Zebu calves were registered, pointing to serious genetic advancement. On the nutrition front, Brazil’s feedlot capacity grew to over 8 million head last year, a 25% increase in five years. Feedlot-finished cattle now represent over 21% of all slaughtered beef.
The combination of better genetics and modern feeding systems is producing more marbled, tender beef. While the U.S. remains the quality leader, Brazil’s progress signals a more competitive global landscape ahead—particularly in high-value export destinations like Japan.
(Attribution: Southern Ag Today https://southernagtoday.org/2025/07/21/will-brazil-close-the-quality-gap-with-u-s-beef-in-japan/)
