An unprecedented journey is underway in the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso do Sul. The group led by Pantaleão Flores, 67, is transporting 1,350 Brangus cattle from Aquidauana to Corumbá, on a trip that should last 40 days. This is the first time that the cattle rancher, with 50 years of experience, has transported this breed in a traditional procession, facing the logistical challenges of the region. The decision to transport the animals in this way is due to the poor condition of the roads, which make the use of trucks unfeasible. “Trucks don’t go in this region, it’s only by land. If it were by truck, it wouldn’t work either because there’s a lot of water, and in the dry season, only cars can be used,” explains Pantaleão, better known as Panta.
The route and the challenges
The group is made up of seven people, including a cook, a pointer, a foreman and four farmhands. The group is currently in Rio Verde de Mato Grosso, 203 km from Campo Grande. The journey includes passing through several locations, such as Rio Negro and Coxim, before reaching Corumbá. During the journey, the cattle are constantly looked after. “Brangus cattle are more docile and require more attention. We walk during the cooler hours of the day, leave early, rest at 10 am and resume the journey at 2 pm”, explains Panta. The breed has a different rhythm compared to the Nelore, being slower and requiring careful planning to avoid stress and weight loss.
The Brangus breed and its value on the market
The Brangus breed is the result of a cross between Angus and Zebu, a combination that seeks to combine the quality of Angus meat with the rusticity of Zebu. Initially bred in the United States in the early 20th century, the breed arrived in Brazil in the 1940s, becoming a valued option due to its high productivity and resistance to adverse climates. Currently, Brangus cattle are highly valued in the Brazilian market. According to Pantaleão, each head can be sold for around R$3,000, depending on the weight and market conditions. In Campo Grande, Brangus meat is sold at varying prices, with cuts such as filet mignon reaching R$109.90/kg, while cuts such as flank and topside cost R$53.90 and R$46.90, respectively.
A unique experience for the entourage
Despite his long career in livestock farming, Pantaleão says that this group has been a unique experience. “Living with Brangus cattle is different. They are calmer, but they require special care,” he says. The trip is being documented by photographer Jairton Costa, who has been capturing images of the group’s routine, showing the challenges and beauties of this historic crossing of the Pantanal. “Living with Brangus cattle is different. They are calmer, but they require special care,” he says. In addition to his professional experience, Pantaleão carries the tradition of groupings in his heart. “I started when I was 15, helping my father. At 21, I left school to dedicate myself fully to this work, and there is no better life than that,” he says. With an estimated arrival in Corumbá in just over a month, the group continues to move forward, keeping alive the tradition of transporting cattle across the vast Pantanal lands, showing that, even with technological innovations, there are practices that remain essential for Brazilian agribusiness.
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