from methane emissions to antibiotics and the price

He beef beef It happens to be one of the key productions of the meat sector, specifically, the third in importance after pork and dairy (cow, sheep and goat). According to the Ministry of Agriculture, last year it contributed some 4,542 million euros. This is 12.8% more than in 2023, while in the European Union (EU) as a whole, its contribution reached 37,995 million. Of this amount, Spain represented 12%. Only behind France and Germany. Beef production reached 713,590 tons, 2.3% more than the previous year. At the export level, livestock farmers They exported a value of 1,769 million euros in the last year (+7% compared to 2023), mainly to the European Union. However, despite its weight in the agri-food chain, the criticism about its mode of production and the sustainability of its activity. The price is also another point of controversy.

Beef production in Spain reached 713,590 tons, 2.3% more compared to the previous year. For their part, Spanish livestock farmers exported 1,769 million euros in the last year. 7% more than in 2023

Emissions: methane and nitrous oxide

In the chapter of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions), one of the most traditionally highlighted sectors is livestock farming. The INE has published this Friday, the update corresponding to the year 2024 of the ‘Atmospheric Emissions Account’ that records the emissions made by the different economic units. According to this statistic, the Spanish economy issued a total of 279.9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) last year, a measure to which all gases related to this phenomenon are converted, such as methane (Ch4), carbon dioxide (CO2) and Nitro Oxide (N2O). This is 0.2% less than in 2023 and 32.4% less than in 2008, when this statistic began to be published.

Of all this amount, ‘agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing’ were barely those responsible for 16.6% (46.4 million tons of CO2e). The manufacturing industry (23.8% and 66.68 million tons of CO2e) and households (22.9% and 64.1 million tons) were ahead. If we focus on the type of gas, the largest quantities of methane were emitted by agriculture (62.9% of the total, reaching 25.33 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, tCO2e), while accounted for 73.7% of the nitrous oxide emitted, about 6.9 million.

‘Agriculture, livestock, forestry and fishing’ was responsible for only 16.6% (46.4 million tons of CO2 equivalent) of emissions in 2024, according to the INE. The manufacturing industry (23.8%) and households (22.9%) were ahead.

Reduction of emissions in livestock farming

According to the Ministry for the Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenge (MITECO), Spain had gross emissions of 268.52 million tons of CO2 equivalent in 2024this is 0.5% less than the previous year. Of all this, the agricultural sector barely It would be responsible for 12.3% of gross national emissions. A proportion that remained stagnant last year (+0.1%) and that has maintained its weight due to the 6.8% increase in emissions from crops, but in the case of livestock it has fallen by 1.4%. At MITECO they point to the decline in livestock herds and the increase in the use of fertilizers.

Fernando Estellés, who is a professor at the School of Agronomic and Natural Environment Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV), recognizes that “every stone makes a wall” but he highlights that the emissions attributed to livestock farming barely represent 6 or 7% of the total worldwide and asks not to demonize a single economic activity. Regarding methane, in which many point to the beef herd as one of the main culprits, Estellés recalls that “The methane problem is also found in wild ruminants like deer and chamois.”

He also explains that the origin, contrary to what is believed, is found in belching “since they have several stomachs and fermentation takes place through microorganisms and acids that they break up fibers like those in straw.” This scientist explains that cows have “the ability to take advantage of things that we cannot digest and convert them into milk or meat” and that “methane would be the price to pay.”

“The methane problem is also found in wild ruminants such as deer and chamois”, Fernando Estellés (School of Agronomic and Natural Environment Engineering of the Polytechnic University of Valencia, UPV)

Estellés also warns that one way to reduce this “toll” is through the quality of the diet because “It is not the same to give cows fresh grass than 6-month-old straw.” stored, which is less easy to digest” and admits the difficulties in this area in the fattening phases. Regarding manure, this expert who knows well the sector with which he has collaborated for years, says that interprofessional organizations such as Provacuno have also implemented guides on composting to manage by-products such as manure or straw both inside the farm and outside, so that it serves as fertilizer and increases the field’s capacity to ‘capture’ CO2.

Regarding the criticism towards the use of antibiotics or hormones that is usually attributed to this type of production, Estellés points out that “Europe is one of the places with the greatest food security in the world” and that, “The use of antibiotics has been prohibited for more than 30 years. or growth hormones except to treat a disease.” This expert adds that only a veterinarian can determine it and, he adds, that “there is a ‘suppression time’ for which, if I have treated an animal with a certain antibiotic, it will take a stipulated period without entering the food chain”. A period that, he explains, can be prolonged “2 or 3 weeks” in dairy after treating the cow. “The veterinary services and the departments of the autonomous communities are not taking any chances,” highlights Estellés. The UPV professor adds that it is done monitoring and recording of each veterinary treatment to avoid “resistance” to certain drugs as in the case of humans.

“For more than 30 years, the use of antibiotics or growth hormones has been prohibited except to treat an illness,” Fernando Estellés (UPV)

Quality proteins, iron and vitamin B

From the General Council of Official Colleges of Dietitians-Nutritionists, Mónica Herrero, points out that “There is increasing awareness and adaptation towards more sustainable models and better quality productions.” However, he points out that we must continue improving in terms of sustainability “although in Europe we have very demanding quality controls and standards.” Regarding his consumption, Herrero is committed to “occasional consumption, prioritizing a more plant-based diet” although he recognizes that “lBeef provides quality proteins, iron and vitamins group B” and recommends taking it “once to twice a week.” However, he adds that “it is not essential” and that there are “other healthy protein sources such as legumes, fish, eggs or nuts.”

The price is already looking at Christmas and… at Dermatoses

The evolution of the price of beef is already looking ahead to the Christmas campaign, although this year there is a new variable to take into account. According to the National Institute of Statistics (INE), we come from a product whose prices have increased in recent months. Specifically, beef had become 16.5% more expensive in September compared to the previous 12 months, while since January it has already accumulated an increase of 10.7%. A trend that began in the second half of last year and has continued during this year, although in recent weeks prices in markets such as Salamanca and Extremadura have stagnated. At the gates of Christmas, a time favorable to meat consumption, the Lumpy Dermatosis (NCD)which is not contagious to humans, but especially affects cattle.

In recent weeks, prices at auctions such as Salamanca and Extremadura have stagnated. On the eve of Christmas, Lumpy Dermatosis (NCD) has appeared in Spain and has already closed the lucrative Moroccan market.

The virus that is transmitted by mosquitoes and horseflies produces fever and nodules on the skin, among other symptoms. In Spain there are 18 spotlightsall of them in Girona (Catalonia), which has forced the implementation of sanitary measures such as the immobilization and slaughter of animals. In addition to the implementation of an urgent vaccination plan, with the approval of Brussels, in the most affected areas, which also includes 3 border Aragonese regions. But the main economic impact is the preventive ‘closure’ of a destination as important as Moroccowhich accounts for more than half of live beef exports. Which has loosened the pressure of the foreign market on supply. Something that can influence the next evolution of consumer prices.

The butcher shops and their options

So? Are we facing an expensive product, not suitable for all budgets? Daniel Herrero, member of Carnimad (Comercio Cárnico de Madrid) and second generation at the head of Carnicerías Herrero- Carniceros de casta since 2010, confirms that “No one has been exempt from the increase in the price of the shopping basket: neither meats nor sausages” and recognizes the impact of inflation on his activity. However, Herrero does highlight that establishments like his offer “quite a variety” of options for all types of economies thanks to “some types of differential cutscompared to other options such as large supermarkets.” The retailer cites the fourth range (products made by hand) as one of the most preferred alternatives by its clients, when it comes to adjusting costs.

“Skewers, burgers where we mix beef and pork, cachopos, meatballs with unit formats in 400 gram trays, stuffed chicken roillots,…”, lists this businessman who has specialized in different cuts and also offers other classic items such as lamb legs and chops. Herrero also mentions the possibilities offered by the fifth range or the prepared dishes like the cheeks (of pork, especially) already prepared with a sauce. “It’s a path we’ve just begun to travel,” he observes. However, for Herrero the main challenge for meat retailers (neighborhood butcher shops) is attracting a younger audience.