Rio Grande do Sul is facing its third consecutive year of drought, leading to significant losses for cattle ranchers, as reported by the Develop Livestock Institute. The drought has damaged pastures, forcing underweight animals to be sent to slaughterhouses, and delaying herd reproduction. The institute is criticizing the lack of public policies to combat the drought and support producers, and is warning that the situation could negatively affect the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and public accounts.