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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 42752, member: 636"]
Cattle farmers face serious money problems as feed costs jumped 58 percent since 2012. Meat prices stayed flat during the same period creating tough profit margins for ranchers. Feed expenses climbed from 13 dollars to 19 dollars per bag but beef still sells for around 4.50 dollars per kilogram. The Zimbabwe Beef Producers Society wants suppliers and farmers working together on cheaper production methods. George Chiunda leads the group and points to disease outbreaks and droughts as extra challenges.

Farmers gathered at Biano Farm during Wednesday meetings about better cattle management practices. Experts showed hay baling techniques and proper animal nutrition methods for dry season survival. 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 smart feed production. Government removed value-added tax from cattle sales after producers complained about the burden.

Officials want farmers growing their feed through programs like Pfumvudza to cut input expenses. The country plans expanding the national herd from 5.7 million to 11 million cattle before 2030. Farmers must harvest grass quickly before veld fires start destroying grazing areas. Climate change continues affecting rainfall patterns making drought preparation more important. Smart feed conversion helps ranchers turn available materials into better nutrition for livestock.
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