Abstract:In 2016, the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) project issued the first report with the Agricultural Transformation Pathways (ATP) for Uruguay and two other selected study cases. Beef is one of the main agri-food chains included in Uruguay´s first studies given is the country´s main export, production is the largest in terms of land used (12,6 million ha) and farms involved (44780). After setting Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-consistent ATPs, the proposed ?backcasting? methodology includes the identification of roadblocks to overcome to transition. Using data from the National Cattle Farm Survey 2016 (1298 farms) this paper addresses the relationship between farm business orientation, farm size, technological level, and production performance. The objective is to understand the main constraints to the adoption of technology and the driving factors to consider in the design of future assistance programs. Cattle farms were classified according to their livestock business main orientation. A Technological Index (TI) was developed and calculated for each farm using data of application of specific production practices, farm production efficiency indicators and the extension and type of improved pastures in the farm. Results show a strong and increasing relationship trend between farm size, technological level, production performance and net income, particularly for cow-calf operations. Available facilities for specific technology implementation and excess stocking rate are some of the main factors constraining productivity. Small farmers´ view of cattle accumulation as a denotation of wealth and a secure readily available savings fund needs to be addressed in future programs seeking higher technology use and production.