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The farmers day held on 27 August at Greenfountain Farm, Kleinmonde near Port Alfred, hosted by Sim Classic as part of the East Cape Simbra Club, saw a good turnout of farmers and interested parties in the beef industry.
The farmers day highlighted resilience, innovation, and sustainability in beef farming. As an interactive event, the audience was invited to take part in the discussion. Discussions focussed on sending out a positive image to consumers to buy red meat, and on being open-minded and innovative in following sustainable practices which will both benefit the local red meat industry and secure red meat exports to other countries.
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James Brody from Brody Farming near Graaff-Reinet was one of the speakers who believes that regenerative farming can be more profitable and deliver superior risk-adjusted financial returns to producers and investors. He gave a presentation on the practices of regenerative farming which, in his case, consists of high-density cattle grazing in smaller camps that are electrically fenced. Years of regenerative farming have led to healthier soil, the return of native plant and animal species, healthier farm animals, and improved financial gains.
Dr Frikkie Maré shared his perspective on carcass composition and the impact it has on producer and consumer pricing. “Although one could blame certain role-players in the value chain for the price differences between producer and retail prices, various studies and information have shown that no one is making super big profits,” he said. The real issue, according to Dr Maré, is encouraging farmers to support demand for red meat, which will help drive up consumer prices. Rather than shifting blame within the value chain, producers should focus on motivating both local and international consumers to eat more read meat and thus spend more money on it – ultimately increasing returns for producers.
Dewald Olivier, executive director of Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS), discussed the impact of animal diseases on the red meat value chain and exports, stating that foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is being used as an excuse by importing countries to force a drop in red meat prices. He noted that South Africa’s red meat is widely regarded as affordable and desirable in global markets, with countries like Brazil showing strong interest in importing South African red meat.
Adding his weight to Dewald’s talk, Brent McNamara, CEO of Agri Eastern Cape and manager of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) Eastern Cape, emphasised the need for traceability in the red meat system and producers’ responsibility with regards to animal diseases. He encouraged all beef farmers to buy into the traceability concept which will help to secure not only their farming enterprises, but also the South African red meat industry and export opportunities. He also provided details about traceability tags which will enable producers to sell their animals in the future.
Addressing the impact of FMD and the realities surrounding the disease, McNamara stressed that exports are key to unlocking growth opportunities and warned that South Africa cannot afford to lose its exports.
Frik van Rooyen, chairperson of the RPO Eastern Cape, thanked attendees on behalf of Kleine Monde Simbra for their attendance at the Sim Classic farmers day. He believes the strong farmer turnout confirms the need for red meat producers to play a greater role in shaping a sustainable future. “The South African red meat industry is on track, and we will do whatever it takes to keep everyone informed,” he concluded. – Carin Venter, Plaas Media
