The maps presented in this article help explain how the beef supply chain operates in Brazil, particularly in the state of Mato Grosso (MT). To understand this logistics network, it is important to identify the origins of cattle, the location of slaughterhouses, and the transportation infrastructure available for moving products to domestic and international markets.
Mato Grosso had the largest cattle herd in Brazil in 2015, with nearly 30 million head of cattle. The state is strategically located in the central region of the country and is surrounded by other major cattle-producing states, including:
- Mato Grosso do Sul (MS)
- Minas Gerais (MG)
- Goiás (GO)
- Pará (PA)
Origins of Beef Production in Brazil
Figure 1 presents the spatial distribution of Brazil’s cattle herd by municipality, based on data from the IBGE Municipal Livestock Survey (Pesquisa Pecuária Municipal – PPM) for 2015.
The darker colors indicate municipalities with larger cattle populations. According to the map, the five municipalities with the largest cattle herds were:
- São Félix do Xingu (PA)
- Corumbá (MS)
- Ribas do Rio Pardo (MS)
- Cáceres (MT)
- Marabá (PA)
Figure 1 – Cattle herd by municipality
Slaughterhouses and transportation infrastructure
Cattle are transported to slaughterhouses located throughout Brazil for processing. Figure 2 presents the location of slaughterhouses in Mato Grosso, strategically positioned near major highways and municipalities with significant cattle production.
Figure 2 – Cattle herd, slaughterhouses, and major highways
The location of these facilities plays a critical role in reducing transportation costs and improving the efficiency of the supply chain.
Distribution of beef products
After processing, beef products are transported to consumer markets, distribution centers, and export terminals using major transportation corridors, including:
- BR-070
- BR-158
- BR-163
- BR-364
These highways are essential components of the livestock and agribusiness logistics network, connecting production areas with domestic and international markets.
Importance of spatial analysis in beef logistics
Mapping cattle production, slaughterhouse locations, and transportation infrastructure allows analysts to:
- Understand livestock production patterns.
- Identify logistics corridors.
- Evaluate transportation efficiency.
- Support investment decisions.
- Analyze supply chain performance.
- Improve distribution planning.
- Assess market accessibility.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) provide valuable tools for integrating these datasets and visualizing the relationships between production, processing, and transportation activities.
Resources used
The maps presented in this article were created using the following resources:
Cattle Herd by Municipality (SHP)
Slaughterhouses in Mato Grosso (SHP)
The integration of livestock production data, processing facilities, and transportation infrastructure provides a comprehensive view of the beef supply chain and highlights the strategic role of Mato Grosso in Brazil’s livestock industry.