Key messages:

• During the period 2001−2012, coinciding with the most intense and critical phase of internal armed conflict, Colombian cattle ranchers managed to expand their operations. Both the increase in municipal cattle herds and farms with cattle are evident.
• The armed conflict has had an impact on the growth of cattle farming during the studied period, regardless of the type of armed group involved. Specifically, the overall effect of the guerrillas is greater than that of paramilitary groups.
• Agricultural Production Units (Unidades de Producción Agropecuarias, UPA) most affected by the armed conflict, whether directly or indirectly, show a greater likelihood of having at least one woman in charge of production decisions.
• When analyzing the effects of the armed conflict on cattle farming, differentiated impacts are revealed that denote a strategic response and exercise of power, both in changes in the expan