A visit to Agropecuária Água Benta, located in Ponte Alta, Tocantins, reveals contrasting approaches to cattle farming between André Seabra, a 39-year-old farmer, and his grandparents, Ivone and Zenon Pinto, aged 82 and 90 respectively. The farm houses 700 cattle, predominantly of the Nelore breed, focusing on raising calves.
André was among the 486 local farmers who benefited from an artificial insemination program aimed at genetically improving beef cattle stock. This initiative was part of the Integrated and Sustainable Regional Development Project of Tocantins (PDRIS), funded by the World Bank and implemented by the state government. The program provided André with access to advanced technologies that were unimaginable during his grandparents' youth.
In 2021, PDRIS allocated R$5 million across 92 municipalities, resulting in the insemination of 87,000 female cattle. Farmers were required to hire a veterinarian to oversee the insemination process in exchange for semen doses received.
Agropecuária Água Benta previously managed 250 cattle but received 350 doses of semen through this program. André aimed to expand the herd size and improve its quality. Initially skeptical due to their decades-long reliance on traditional breeding methods, his grandparents eventually saw merit in the new approach.
"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," Zenon Pinto admitted.
The affordability and quick results won over Ivone as well: "It was quite impressive," she remarked. "I wish we had access to such opportunities earlier."
André highlighted several benefits: "Purchasing a breeding bull is costly and comes with various risks... 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 support achieving these results would have taken at least two more years.
The family now aims to enhance their herd's genetic quality further for traits like rapid weight gain and strong milk production.
"This initiative has opened up opportunities for small-scale farmers," said André. Cattle farming accounts for 30% of Tocantins' GDP and 16% of its exports; hence efficient production processes are crucial.
"The genetic improvement program was so triumphant that it persisted even after PDRIS concluded in December 2021," stated Mauricio Fregonesi from the Tocantins government.
The project's success also led to plans for seven new slaughterhouses adhering to stringent health standards; three are set to begin operations this year while others remain under construction.
Fatima Amazonas recalled pre-project conditions: "Previously there were numerous illegal slaughterhouses... all under very poor conditions."
Data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE) show significant strides made by Tocantins between 2022-2023; it ranked eighth nationally for beef exports in 2023 with contributions amounting to 4.4% of Brazil's total beef sales.
Continued investments aim at enhancing agricultural prominence while integrating innovative technologies uniting generations of farmers as seen at Agropecuária Água Benta.