The Brazilian beef cattle supply chain in the next decades

Abstract The Brazilian beef cattle supply chain has undergone technological modernisation in its production systems, resulting in better productivity, meat quality and competitiveness. The research aims to identify the megatrends in the Brazilian beef cattle supply chain expected by 2040. The Delphi method was used to identify the challenges. Scenarios were created and ten megatrends were defined: i) biological advances in waste management; ii) biotechnological transformation of beef farming; iii) less grass and more meat; iv) profits based on animal welfare; v) consolidated livestock with major players; vi) more natural and quality-demanding slaughterhouses; vii) meat with a designation of origin; viii) digital technology that transforms the entire supply chain; ix) availability of qualified labour; x) Brazil as a major exporter of meat and genetics. The development of this research has economic, social and environmental implications for both the public and private spheres. In the international scenario, Brazil could be a major exporter of meat and probably animal genetics, specialised and with added value. Global advances in the supply chain will come from highly technical, professional and competitive livestock production, mainly based on technology and quality.