Argentina; the country of cattle
The Spaniards brought the first cattle to Argentina in 1536. Argentine beef herds have since grown enormously, numbering more than 50 million cattle in 2013. In view of the country’s immense space and natural wealth, cattle farming in Argentina is easy to explain.
At 2,780,400 km², Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest country in terms of area. Much of that consists of subtropical natural pasture, better known as the pampas. In the native language Quechua, pampais the word for plain. A cow could not wish a finer environment for itself. The large herds of cattle walk around, graze and grow on these wide-open, green, fertile pampas.
Evita
Over Evita
Eva Perón (1919 – 1952) was affectionately known as Evita. She was a famous Argentine First Lady with huge charisma. She actively campaigned for her husband. Being of humble origins herself helped her to win the trust of the poor and working classes. A foundation she set up made an important contribution to Argentine society. Her political influence increased with the years, as did her popularity. This made her Argentina’s most powerful woman of her day. A cult grew up around her and her husband. The mythology around her person has remained to this day. As such, Evita is a famous symbol of Argentina.
Any questions?
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions about the provenance of our meat or the feed used, or if you would like to request a non-binding quotation.
Braford, Brangus, Hereford and Angus
These days, the two most popular breeds of beef cattle in Argentina are Braford and Brangus. Evita’s Choice primarily supplies meat from the Braford, Brangus, Hereford and Angus breeds.
Over the centuries, various breeds of cattle have been brought to Argentina – the Zebu in particular due to its heat-tolerance and as a beast of burden, the Holstein for milk production and the Shorthorn for both milk and beef production. However, at the end of the 19th century, the focus was on the typical beef cattle breeds Hereford and Aberdeen Angus.
In response to the growing demand for high quality beef, selective crossbreeds were also developed. For example, the Braford and Brangus originated from a cross between the Brahman breed (a type of Zebu) and the Hereford and the Angus breeds, respectively. The combination resulted in a breed that brings together the qualities of two highly successful parent breeds; an animal that thrives in many climates, has good resistance and produces excellent quality beef.
Grain-fed for at least 100 days
The cattle used to produce Evita’s Choice meat live for over 26 months in complete freedom on the wide-open pampas. Here, the cows are free to graze and take advantage of the abundant grass. Gauchos keep an eye on them. The freedom the cows have to move around ensure healthy circulation and muscle mass; the basis for firm and yet tender meat.
Evita’s Choice offers high quality grain fed beef. After their life on the pampas, the cattle are brought to specially-designed, generously laid-out feedlots. Here, they are given a special diet with grain as its main constituent for a period of at least 100 days. A close eye is kept on their nutrition, health and welfare. Feeding the cattle with grain results in balanced extra “intra-muscular” fat. This can be seen in the fine fat veining of the meat, a marbling effect that provides extra flavour.
Quality
Argentine beef has the reputation of being among the best meat in the world. The decisive factors for producing tender meat rich in flavour are the breed, the living environment and the animals’ diet. These three basic conditions are fulfilled in the selected breeds, the temperate climate of the seemingly endless pampas with their abundant grass and the finishing with grain for extra fat and hence extra flavour.
Naturally, hygiene and food safety are governed by strict regulations in Argentina. In order to be considered for Evita’s Choice, the entire chain must also fulfil the quality requirements imposed by the EU.
Evita’s Choice meat is fully traceable. Traceability starts with individually identifying the animals per batch by means of a unique code. This code is electronically transmitted at every step of the production process, so assuring identification and guaranteeing the provenance of the beef towards our customers.