South Africa's livestock industry used the first day of Nampo Alfa, held on 2 and 3 October at Nampo Park outside Bothaville in the Free State, to talk about recovery after a long run of animal health problems and the need for farmers, industry and government to pull together.
Organisers said strict biosecurity measures and widespread compliance with vaccination had allowed extensive livestock participation this year despite continuing concern about foot-and-mouth disease. The show combines livestock with outdoor living, hunting, shooting sports and youth development.
At a Road to Recovery discussion, people from across the livestock value chain reviewed the industry's response to disease control. A recurring message was that producers, industry bodies and government had to work together more effectively if South Africa was to strengthen its animal health systems and become more resilient.
The call came with visible frustration over communication and coordination in the current system. Farmers raised concerns about vaccine availability and the government's handling of animal health, while several speakers said the country already had many of the structures, laws and committed people it needed. Rather than more regulation, the discussion kept returning to practical implementation, better communication, improved traceability and closer collaboration.
"Day one was a big red meat conversation. On the first day there are always more role-players, and on Saturday there are families," said Dirk Strydom, managing director of Nampo. He described the event's strength as its practical nature and broad appeal.
Interbreed judging and breed displays remained the main draw, alongside a Farm Skills competition in which school teams were tested on tasks from livestock evaluation to mechanical work. One breeder showed what she described as South Africa's first miniature mules.
Reported for Farmer's Weekly by Clayton Swart.
Source: Farmers Weekly South Africa
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