Beef farmers struggle with rising costs as feed prices jumped 58 percent since 2012. Cattle producers cannot make enough profit because meat prices stayed the same during the past decade. Feed costs climbed from 13 dollars to 19 dollars per bag but beef sells for just 4.50 dollars per kilogram. The Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society wants suppliers and farmers to work together on lowering production expenses. George Chiunda chairs the group and says disease outbreaks and droughts create additional problems for ranchers.
Government officials joined farmers at Biano Farm during Wednesday meetings about cattle management. Experts demonstrated hay baling methods and showed proper animal nutrition techniques to help herds survive dry seasons. Cattle breeder Obert Chinhamo produced 1,000 tonnes of silage and 2,000 hay bales at his operation. He believes farmers can raise more animals on smaller land areas through better feed production. Officials removed value-added tax from cattle sales after producers complained about the extra burden.
Government officials joined farmers at Biano Farm during Wednesday meetings about cattle management. Experts demonstrated hay baling methods and showed proper animal nutrition techniques to help herds survive dry seasons. Cattle breeder Obert Chinhamo produced 1,000 tonnes of silage and 2,000 hay bales at his operation. He believes farmers can raise more animals on smaller land areas through better feed production. Officials removed value-added tax from cattle sales after producers complained about the extra burden.
