The South African red meat industry must undergo significant renewal, like considering the implementation of a red meat grading system according to which producers are remunerated for the quality of the beef produced instead of the current classification system where red meat is classed upon age and teeth, to address future challenges says Kobus Bester, director of the Livestock Registering Federation.

He said revitalisation was not a choice, but a necessity. In order to remain resilient, sustainable and profitable, the time has come for red meat producers to take a critical look at the industry and how it is currently positioned in the broader agriculture value chain.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) held at Nampo Alfa in Bothaville, he advised members to do some serious introspection to identify efficiencies.

He said misconceptions such as the organisation being responsible for the decrease in red meat prices, the movement of cattle from endemic foot-and-mouth disease areas and the refusal to stop weaner imports from Namibia must be addressed.

Read more here about Bester’s speech on Farmer’s Weekly.