Africa-Press – Botswana. Statistics from the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) have revealed that an increasing number of heifers were being sold compared to tollies, potentially jeopardising the long-term sustainability of the national cattle population.
During an auction organised by Mmashoro Ranchers and Farmers’ Association recently, the BMC Executive Manager for Livestock Procurement, Mr Kenneth Makubate warned that selling more heifers could lead to a decline in cattle production, ultimately constraining the growth of Botswana’s beef industry.
“The sale of significant amounts of heifers reduces the breeding stock. This will result in a decreased national cattle herd and negatively impact beef supply and industry economics in the future,” he said.
To address the issue, Mr Makubate urged farmers to form cooperative groups or clusters. He suggested that they exchanged heifers for tollies within their networks to ensure sustainable breeding and production.
“Leverage your collective strength,” he advised. “Come together to manage the number of heifers and bull calves, ensuring consistent breeding that will benefit everyone in the long run.”
In addition to promoting strategic animal exchanges, BMC has introduced a temporary pricing incentive. This initiative, Mr Makubate said offered a P3 per kilogram increase in certain grade categories, aimed at motivating farmers to increase cattle production and meet the demands of both local and international markets.
Furthermore, Mr Makubate said Mmashoro had the potential to thrive as a commercial beef hub, given its sizeable cattle herd. Farmers were encouraged to utilise existing initiatives and join associations that add value to their operations.
“Support and collaboration are crucial for success in this industry,” Mr Makubate said.
However, some farmers expressed the need for more information and training, particularly regarding compliance with the European Union (EU) market standards. Mr Elton Katholo of Gwee-Qhaio farm noted that many farmers lacked sufficient knowledge about EU requirements, which hampered their ability to supply BMC with cattle that met export standards. He stressed that gaining expertise on the lucrative EU market could help farmers improve the quality of their herds and increase profits.
“Knowledge is power, if we understand what the EU market demands, we can upgrade our cattle and benefit more from our livestock.”
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