Colombia Has Lost Nearly 10,000 Cattle to the Drought, and the Dry Season Has Not Started
Colombia · ECONOMY Key Facts —The count 9,865 cattle dead, reported by the ranchers’ federation Fedegán on 20 August. —The cost About COP47 billion, roughly US$15.4 million — COP27 billion (US$8.8m) in dead animals, COP11 billion (US$3.6m) in lost production and COP9 billion (US$2.9m) in the cost of moving herds. —The spread Fifteen departments across […] The post Colombia Has Lost Nearly 10,000…
El Niño, a climate phenomenon, has arrived three months earlier than expected and is anticipated to intensify come October. Colombia's cattle industry has already suffered significant losses due to this year's drought, with 9,865 cattle dying, as reported by Fedegán, the national ranchers' federation. The total economic impact surpasses COP47 billion, or about US$15.4 million, with the majority accounting for the value of lost animals and production.
The drought's effects extend beyond cattle deaths; ranchers incur additional costs in moving herds for water and grazing. Fifteen departments across Colombia are affected, with most of the cattle map across the country. While reservoir levels in Colombia have reached 80% as of July 27th, the grid operator XM is still concerned due to below-average rainfall for three months and reservoirs declining from a high in August.
This sets a concerning precedent for the upcoming dry season, which officially starts in December, and could lead to increased power costs due to reliance on thermal plants that burn imported gas. The consequences of the drought, such as cattle deaths, take time to manifest, and ranchers face difficult decisions with limited options.
The immediate actions taken by ranchers will have long-term effects on the food supply and prices. The article emphasizes the importance of early warning systems and proactive planning in the face of climate change, as the real costs of the drought will not be felt until 2027.
Written by urgent.news from The Rio Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
