Beef cattle production chain in the south of Mexico State

In Mexico beef cattle production under double purpose systems is the main economic activityin rural areas. This activity has been developed for decades in the south of México State,without any technical assistance. The productive chain of beef production has a weak linksbetween the different bonds (producers, slaughter houses, traders etc.), which in general havebeen working independently. Organization between the bonds of the chain will increase thecompetitiveness of the system. Results of the study indicate that beef production chain in thesouth of Mexico State is a competitive and profitable, due to its low investment cost, but mainlybecause of its great flexibility, even though optimum productivity is not achieved. During2008, sales utilities of calves were $ 8.80 per kg, which was higher than that obtained from thesales of steers ($ 5.60).