Project final report

High quality markets & value chains for small-scale & emerging beef cattle farmers in South Africa (Stage 2) - Final Report

Date released
15 December 2022
ISBN
978-1-922787-62-0
Publication Code
FR2022-037
Authors

Heather Burrow, Baldwin Nengovhela, Rene Villano, Isaac Koomson, Julius Tjelele, Linky Makgahlela, Elvis Nakana, Petronella Chaminuka, Nonhlanhla Gwamanda, Phillip Strydom, Klaas-Jan Leeuw and Erika Valerio

Overview

This project aimed to improve the profitability of emerging and smallholder cattle farmers by developing cost-effective and environmentally-sustainable beef value chains that supply cattle to meet the specifications of high-value, free-range beef markets.

Red meat consumption in South Africa is projected to have increased by 40% by 2023. To meet growing demand, South Africa is a net importer of beef and live animals to supply grain-fed beef to supermarkets and weaner cattle for feedlots. Emerging and communal farmers market less than 10% of their animals each year, compared to 25% in the commercial sector, showing the enormous potential for improvement. 

The overall planned outcome was to increase the cost effectiveness of emerging and communal farm businesses in an environmentally sustainable way.

View the project page