The presidential bull and heifers project has been launched to help black small-scale cattle farmers improve the quality of their livestock.
The project was established by the National Emerging Red Meat Producers (Nerpo) in consultation with interest groups such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and provincial departments of agriculture, and was launched after an agreement between Nerpo and the ARC’s Range and Forage Institute.
“We will be acting jointly in the presidential bull and heifer project to help previously disadvantaged farmers to improve their livestock production,” said Aggrey Mahanjana, Nerpo’s general manager.
Nerpo will use the traditional barter system instead of money to buy good breeding stock, which is normally too expensive for most black small-scale farmers. The farmers will exchange two heifers for a registered bull of their choice.
Top-quality bulls and heifers of various breeds have been donated by leading stud and commercial breeders. Nerpo says that 86 of its members have donated 172 heifers of various breeds to the project.
“The ARC has vast experience in research and technical expertise, and Nerpo has a deep understanding of the needs of the emerging red-meat producers. By combining the two, we will have a formidable strategy,” Mahanjana said.
Amie Aucamp of the Range and Forage Institute said the ARC would provide about 500ha of grazing at Roodeplaat, near Pretoria, and would draft a veterinary protocol for the animals to ensure that the project was successful. Wilson Muvhulawa, a farmer in Limpopo, said the agreement would consolidate and sustain new farming activities.
“Over the past years the training we received was fragmentary, without a comprehensive method. Through this agreement an inclusive package of training in livestock and grazing land management will be provided.”
Nerpo said the project would go a long way to empower its members to use market opportunities. It intended to raise R52-million in the next five years to sustain the project.