El Niño and Wildfires Cost Colombia’s Livestock Industry Millions
The El Niño phenomenon and wildfires have caused losses of 75.327 billion pesos (approximately US$24 million) in Colombia’s livestock industry, according to a report released Monday by the Colombian Federation of Cattle Ranchers (Fedegan). The industry group reported impacts in 19 departments due to cattle deaths, reduced production and the displacement of animals caused by […]
Colombia's livestock industry suffered a major setback in 2026 due to the combined effects of El Niño weather patterns and wildfires. The Colombian Federation of Cattle Ranchers (Fedegan) reported losses totaling 75.327 billion pesos (around US$24 million) as a result of cattle deaths, decreased production, and the displacement of animals.
El Niño accounts for about 70.833 billion pesos (US$22.1 million) of the losses, while wildfires are responsible for the remaining 4.494 billion pesos (US$1.4 million). The industry impact extends beyond immediate animal deaths, as droughts and degraded pastures force ranchers to relocate their livestock to new areas, leading to higher costs for food and water.
Key regions affected include the departments of Tolima and Norte de Santander. In Tolima, wildfires have ravaged 47 municipalities, destroying 27,520 hectares of land and affecting over 183,761 animals. Meanwhile, Norte de Santander has seen 93 hectares burn, resulting in the deaths of 290 animals and putting an additional 622 at risk.
The industry association warns that the ongoing drought and wildfire emergencies pose a growing threat to Colombia's livestock sector, which is a vital component of the nation's rural economy.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
