Small scale beef producers receive bull-power

Earlier today, the Western Cape Minister of Agriculture, Dr Ivan Meyer, handed over registered bulls, sourced from the Western Department of Agriculture’s Bull Distribution Project to seven small scale beef producers. The project aims to distribute bulls who have the good genetic material to future commercial farmers in the Western Cape.

According to Project Leader and Specialist Scientist in Animal Nutrition, Professor Ters Brand, the Bull Distribution Project was established in 2016, in collaboration with the Farmer Support and Development and Veterinary Services Programmes of the Western Cape Department of Agriculture (WCDoA).

Brand: “The project ensures that quality breeding material is made available to the small scale farmers. To date, 41 bulls have been distributed to 26 small scale farmers in the Overberg, Eden, West Coast and Swartland Districts. This number will increase to 66 by the end of 2020.”

Speaking at the event, Minister Meyer highlighted that the projects bring together three of his key priorities, namely, market access, research and farmer support and development.

Minister Meyer: “The Western Cape currently produces approximately 14% of the national beef output. The contribution by small scale producers is relatively small. By making top breed genetics available to small scale farmers they can increase the volume and quality of the beef which will enable easier and greater access to the market.”

Dr Mogale Sebopetsa, Head of the WCDoA, highlighted that the Department would continue to support small scale farmers.

Sebopetsa: “Now that these farmers have received bulls with superior genetics, we will provide them with advisory and veterinary support services.  With our continued support, they can grow their herds and their businesses.”

“The intention is to increase the participation of small-scale beef producers in the beef market in the Western Cape and ultimately on a national scale" concluded Minister Meyer.