Red meat farmers can look forward to a good production year after the industry received some good news early in 2014. Not only has South Africa regained its foot and mouth free zone status where vaccination is not practiced as of February 2014, but new requirements for the import of cattle, sheep and goats from Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland have been announced.
The new import measures come into effect on May 1, 2014 and will definitely make a contribution to protect South Africa’s herds against controlled diseases.
It was estimated that the annual loss since South Africa lost its foot and mouth disease free status was R4 billion per annum. It is not only good news for red meat exports but the hides, skins and leather industry as well as the stud industry and other industries like dairy and wool will also benefit.
The RPO thanked the top management of the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the constructive engagement on animal health issues especially gaining momentum since 2013.
As far as red meat producers prices are concerned, the RPO expects a moderate increase in red meat prices during 2014. This increase should be a little above the inflation rate.
Although there is upwards pressure on producer prices, the buying power of the consumer will determine what happens in the market. However, the fact remains that red meat will in 2014 be very good value for the consumer’s money if compared to alternative protein sources.
