Unlocking the beef value chain
What an honour it is for me to be here at the 2026 Livestock Recording and Registering Federation (LRF) Stockman School!
To be standing here in the presence of an abundance of knowledge, passion and determination, all of which is aimed at furthering the Stockman School and the agricultural sector of Southern Africa.
The 2009 launch of the Stockman School marked a pivotal milestone in Southern Africa’s agricultural calendar.
I understand that since the first LRF Stockman School was held, it enjoyed a full subscription. This year is no different. It is truly a remarkable achievement.
The goal of the school has always been to provide the latest and most current research-based information to livestock producers. Over the years, world-renowned experts and thought leaders have generously donated their time to share their knowledge, expertise and experience with our producers.
They have shaped the school and supported it through continuing professional development.
This year’s theme, “Unlocking the Beef Value Chain”, continues the school’s tradition of being relevant to current needs of the sector.
You would agree that unlocking the value chain is not merely an academic exercise. It is an urgent economic priority.
It demands that we look at every link, from the selection of seedstock and commercial herd management to processing, marketing and delivering beef to the consumer – ensuring that efficiency, quality and profitability are maximised at every stage.
What gives the Stockman School a competitive edge is its tailor-made programme for all sections of the beef value chain, including stud breeders, small-scale producers and emerging stockmen.
The fact that presenters come from around the world testifies that every single one of the school’s participants, large or small farmers, can gain knowledge and skills to strengthen and expand their businesses.
It is great to see emerging farmers are part of the programme. It is essential that more of our emerging farmers graduate into successful large-scale farmers.
This school has put a lot of emphasis on building, expanding and supporting structural changes needed to transform the livestock sector.
This has gained traction with public institutions such as the Agricultural Research Council (ARC) and especially the ARC Kaonafatso ya Dikgomo (KyD) Scheme, which assists emerging and small-scale livestock farmers to participate in the mainstream commercial market.
All of us here know farming is a business, and a good business person knows the importance of market access, continuous learning, and the application of modern technology.
Farming as a business requires investments and continuous skill and market development.
It takes smart and determined people to be farmers.
The role of the State is to optimise the environment for farmers to farm best, create thriving businesses and ensure food security.
The Department of Agriculture, as well as the ARC, have given ongoing and strong support to the Stockman School, thereby demonstrating what is possible when public policy, science and industry are linked to a shared goal.
A good example of this approach and partnership is the relationship between Government, the Department of Agriculture and the stud industry.
The relationship has culminated into a Consortium Agreement between the ARC and Higher Education Institutions, namely, the University of Pretoria, University of the Free State and the University of Fort Hare, with the stud industry represented by SA Stud Book and the LRF.
These partners in the consortium completed the first phase of the Beef Genomics Programme (BGP1) and are completing the second phase, BGP2. The total value of this investment is over R182 million, of which the industry contributed more than 60%.
The first phase of the programme demonstrated tremendous success, and an independent evaluation revealed that the programme delivered a return on investment of over 18%.
As important as these results, was the integration of the ARC KyD Programme.
This means that the advancement of genetic and genomic tools from BGP2 will be available to emerging farmers in the KyD Programme who are operating at the lower end of the value chain.
It is our responsibility to use science and innovation to serve and facilitate our people to gain productivity and create wealth, especially at the lower end of the economy.
In the future, it is envisaged that BGP2 will be extended by the Consortium to include climate-smart genomic measurements for small- and large-scale animal enterprises.
The focus will also be on improving farm resilience and productivity and reducing the carbon footprint of the farming operations.
The Department of Agriculture through the Office of the Registrar of Animal Improvement is proud to partner in this next phase of the programme.
The Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), which partnered with us to establish core genomic technology during the BGP, will continue to be a valuable partner as we adapt these solutions to small stock and the dairy industry.
The funding of this project by the TIA and the Department of Agriculture represents a true Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and demonstrates the very best of South African cooperation and joint governance.
In line with the improvement of the genomic solutions available to the industry, the collaboration also encompasses biosecurity and market access.
The department’s Directorate: Animal Health, together with the stud industry, has developed stringent export protocols for high health status for our genetic material.
South African livestock genetics command a premium in international markets and enhance global competitiveness of the local stud industry and the livestock sector in general.
The state remains committed to improving the ease with which producers can access international markets and ensure that strict protocols are in place to protect the national herd.
Distinguished guests, the livestock industry is the mainstay of rural livelihoods and national food security.
I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the LRF, organisers of the Stockman School, our university partners, the ARC and every producer who has made time to attend this school and are contributing to food security.
Your interest in learning and improving will help strengthen the agricultural sector of this country.
I wish you all productive and very interactive sessions during the remaining days of this school and the value-added sharing of your ideas as we work together, to explore and better understand the opportunities that exist in our beef value chain.
