Limpopo livestock farmers struggle with delayed rainfall, poor dam conditions, and tough market prices. Communal farmers are particularly affected, with grazing and herd health suffering due to insufficient rain. Some sell livestock early to cope, but low prices and weakened animals make it difficult.
Kenneth Malatji, an animal health technician at Afrivet, said delayed rainfall impacts livestock health and breeding.
“The timing of rains is crucial for pasture growth and overall herd health,” he said.
Breeding challenges
According to Malatji, when rainfall is delayed, grazing becomes insufficient, negatively affecting the nutrition of breeding animals.
“This poor nutrition can hinder reproduction, and reproductive performance, resulting in lower conception rates and higher, possibly higher pregnancy losses. As a result, we may see delayed breeding, which can shift the timing of calving seasons as well,” he said.
The disruption can have broader implications for livestock management and the livelihoods of farmers, Malatji said, making it important for them to adapt to changing weather patterns.
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Farmers are also dealing with inadequate water access, which exacerbates the impact of delayed rainfall. Dr Nelson Sebola, a livestock farmer in the Greater Letaba Municipality of Limpopo, described the difficulties caused by a local dam filled with clay.
“I submitted a document. They promised to clear the dam. Then we were told there was no excavator. So it has been difficult for us,” he said.
Selling non-productive livestock earlier
As these conditions persist, some farmers are exploring alternative strategies to cope. Ashell Maenetja, a communal livestock farmer and animal scientist from Limpopo, advocated for early livestock sales as a way to mitigate losses, especially ahead of droughts.
“It is an ideal option to sell, however, most farmers don’t like the idea that much ‘cause they get paid way less for their livestock,” Maenetja said.
He explained the importance of selling the right animals at the right time. “Sell all the males except breeding bulls, sell dry old cows too. Selling to an informal market (slaughter for functions) is out of the equation because the animals are [now] too thin for their preference,” he said.
He also advised farmers to start selling months before a drought and build food banks for their livestock. However, Maenetja pointed out that crucial advice from extension and advisory services often goes unheeded by farmers.
Khomosto Mashiloane, Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) livestock technical advisor, agreed with the strategy of selling non-productive animals early, particularly in times of limited resources.
“You can have hundreds of cattle in a small area, and those animals might end up not having enough nutrition which compromises their immunity.
“Sell the non-productive animals or those with deformities, so you can buy feed, medication, and pay your labour. Then later, you can recover,” he said.
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