Zimbabwe farmers made more beef last year despite hard times. The country produced 94,600 tonnes of beef during 2024, which beat the 90,000 tonnes from the year before. Farmers sent almost 394,000 cattle to slaughterhouses across the nation. Many people sold their animals early because the grass died from a lack of rain. Female cattle sales went up the most as farmers tried to save their herds from starving.
The total number of cattle still grew to 5.74 million animals despite these sales. Most cows live with small farmers who keep about 64 percent of all cattle. These small farms face problems like low birth rates among their herds. Only 34 out of 100 cows had calves last year, down from 42 the year before. Many farmers use female cows for pulling plows instead of keeping them for making more calves.
Experts suggest better breeding programs could help fix these issues. The government wants farmers to test bulls, keep better records, and improve animal care. Zimbabwe people eat only six kilograms of beef per person each year. The country could sell more meat to nearby nations if it improves meat quality and tracking systems.
The total number of cattle still grew to 5.74 million animals despite these sales. Most cows live with small farmers who keep about 64 percent of all cattle. These small farms face problems like low birth rates among their herds. Only 34 out of 100 cows had calves last year, down from 42 the year before. Many farmers use female cows for pulling plows instead of keeping them for making more calves.
Experts suggest better breeding programs could help fix these issues. The government wants farmers to test bulls, keep better records, and improve animal care. Zimbabwe people eat only six kilograms of beef per person each year. The country could sell more meat to nearby nations if it improves meat quality and tracking systems.
