The Red Meat Institute for Transformation and Enterprise Development (RMITED) is dedicated to empowering up-and-coming farmers through a range of educational and support programmes, including training sessions, farmer gatherings, farm visits, and study groups.
The power of being on-site
Farm visits are a particularly impactful service because facilitators can provide farmers with customised advice based on the location of their farms, the condition of their livestock, and the available facilities.
Recently, RMITED facilitator Ernest Makua paid a visit to Langkuil farm at Bela-Bela, Limpopo to give the farmer technical livestock management advice. Before the farm visit, livestock farmer Frank Monaheng indicated that he was struggling with disease management, nutrition, and bull selection.
“I’m facing significant challenges with disease management, nutrition, and bull selection on my farm. It’s a tough balancing act, and I’m eager to find solutions to improve these aspects of my farming practices,” said Monaheng.
During the farm visit, elements such as supplementary feeding, bull selection, breeding programme, disease management, and cattle marketing were discussed with the farmer and the farm workers.
ALSO READ: RMITED nurtures inclusive growth in red meat industry
Farm management made easier
During these visits, a free record-keeping book, weigh belt, and oxytetracycline medications are generously provided. This not only improves livestock health and productivity but also equips farmers with the knowledge and tools to enhance their overall farming practices and economic prosperity.
Given that many new farmers cannot afford weighing scales, RMITED supplies weight belts to enable accurate measurement and tracking of cattle weight. This data is indispensable for optimising feeding, monitoring growth, managing reproduction, assessing health, and determining market readiness.
It improves farm management, nutrition, and decision-making, ultimately fostering healthier and more profitable cattle farming.
The importance of record-keeping
In response to the common practice of many new farmers not keeping records, the institution provides record-keeping books.
These books are essential for maintaining organised and detailed records of farm activities, including animal health, breeding, feeding, and financial transactions.
They serve as valuable tools for making informed decisions, ensuring compliance, and enhancing overall farm management and productivity.
“Having received these invaluable resources, I sense that I’ve been granted the tools for a more promising farming future. These resources will empower me to enhance the well-being of my livestock and, in turn, elevate the success of my farm,” said Monaheng.
Collaboration to foster farmer growth
Additionally, RMITED hosts monthly webinars to offer up-and-coming livestock farmers access to industry knowledge and insights from experts. This initiative aims to enhance farming practices, boost productivity, and contribute to the sustainability of their livelihoods.
In essence, RMITED’s approach is grounded in the belief that collaboration is essential to empower emerging livestock farmers.
By closely working with various stakeholders, they aspire to build a supportive network that equips farmers with the skills, resources, and opportunities needed to thrive in their agricultural pursuits.
This aligns with their overarching vision, which is to foster stakeholder engagement in the red meat industry, promoting inclusive growth through the transfer of knowledge.
ALSO READ: RMITED: Level up with top-notch red meat industry training
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