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Since the dawn of Brazilian trade, extensive cattle farming has predominated. Brazil’s extensive pasture-based system uses pasture plants adapted to climate and soil conditions with limited use of purchased inputs. However, new technologies such as integrated crop and livestock systems have recently been adopted, with government support and public policies that are intended to encourage increased agricultural production in Brazil. Domestic and international stakeholders have prioritized sustainable agricultural development in Brazil’s beef sector to reduce deforestation and other natural-habitat conversions. This review provides an overview of beef production in Brazil, focusing particularly on (1) historical factors that have encouraged an extensive, low-intensity style of production and (2) how national public policies supporting agriculture have improved sustainability in Brazil’s beef industry. Since the beginning of the twenty-first century, specific public policies for rural areas began to implement changes that addressed environmental concerns. Programs aimed at protecting secondary forests and increasing their areas are needed to offset the 42% of Brazil’s greenhouse gas emissions that come from land-use change. To produce more beef with less environmental impact, cattle ranchers need to use their land more productively. Thus, public policy initiatives need to combat deforestation and preserve the environment and local communities, while sustainably intensifying Brazil’s beef production.
