The beef cattle market in Vinh Long is showing many positive signs as live cattle prices rebound after a sharp decline.
This is a good signal, bringing joy to many livestock households, encouraging them to boldly expand their barns and increase their herds to improve income.
Mr. Pham Van Nhut, from Luong Hoa commune, said that due to low cattle prices in previous years, he reduced his herd size and only kept 5 breeding cows. Currently, calf prices are rising again: 6-month-old male calves are priced at 19–21 million VND per head (an increase of 5–7 million VND), while 6-month-old female calves (for replacement breeding) have gone up by 4–5 million VND. Meanwhile, commercial beef cattle prices have risen by 15,000–20,000 VND per kilogram.
Seeing this as a favorable time to expand his herd—both for long-term development and to take advantage of higher profits—Mr. Nhut decided to increase his herd to 10 breeding cows and 6 male cattle for fattening. He shared that, for fattening cattle, he makes use of straw byproducts from farming, intercropped grass from coconut gardens and rice field edges, as well as rice wine residue (a byproduct of distilling). Each year, he earns over 100 million VND from cattle farming.
According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Ut, from Tan Xuan commune, with current cattle prices, farmers are earning profits, which helps improve income and stabilize life. Ms. Ut said that her family runs a traditional rice wine distillery, and the byproducts from winemaking are excellent for helping cattle grow quickly and produce high-quality meat. Therefore, she raises 4–5 male cattle for fattening. With rising prices, she has expanded her herd to 10. At an average calf price of 20–22 million VND per head, profits after 12 months range from 5–7 million VND per head. She shared that rotational cattle farming is effective: every month, she has commercial beef cattle ready for sale while simultaneously buying new calves for fattening.
Rising cattle prices have motivated farmers in Vinh Long to expand their herds. Photo: Huynh Phuc Hau – VNA.
According to cattle traders in Vinh Long, prices have risen due to increasing domestic demand for beef, while supply remains somewhat limited. The shortages are linked to past disease outbreaks and rising feed costs, which led many households to reduce their herds. In addition, the growing use of beef in restaurant chains, eateries, and supermarkets has helped secure more stable market outlets.
Mr. Nguyen Van Bui, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Vinh Long province, said that the province currently has a total herd of over 480,000 cattle, mainly concentrated in coastal communes. Rising prices have given farmers new motivation. If they can seize the opportunity, apply proper techniques, and organize farming effectively, beef cattle can become a long-term and sustainable economic development direction for many rural households. At the same time, cattle adapt well to current climate change conditions.
Authorities recommend that farmers focus on breed selection, strengthen vaccination, and adopt biosecure farming techniques. They should also form partnerships with enterprises and slaughterhouses to ensure stable market access and avoid uncontrolled herd expansion that could lead to oversupply and falling prices. Furthermore, Vinh Long province has established the “Ba Tri Beef” brand and is gradually encouraging farmers to set up cooperatives and farming groups. This aims to form a cattle value chain, helping farmers develop sustainably in the future.
Huynh Phuc Hau
Source: VNA