The Sunday News
Dumisani Nsingo Senior Farming Reporter
THE community cattle pen-feeding concept, initiated by the Mangwe Farmers’ Association and Bulawayo Abattoirs in Matabeleland South Province four years ago, continues to give communal farmers real value for their animals on the market.Mangwe Farmers’ Association partnered Bulawayo Abattoirs to set up feedlots in some districts of Matabeleland South after the effects of drought led to the death of about 18 000 cattle in the province in 2011.
The association’s chairman, Mr Adam Bango-Dube said the feedlotting concept was a marvel as it had managed to ensure that farmers fetch lucrative prices for their animals on the market.
“Farmers who got their cattle into the feedlots in September managed to fetch good prices with a dressed mass of a super pegged at $4,70 per kilogramme while that of a commercial was at $4.
“However, some farmers don’t see the value of their animals because they just randomly send them to the feedlots at any given time. Those who got lucrative prices made sure that their animals were on the market by November and December, at this time prices are good,” Mr Bango-Dube said.
Cattle from the feedlots are sold at the Bulawayo Abattoirs’ auction pens.
“Through our arrangement we send our cattle to Bulawayo Abattoirs where we negotiate for the price at prescribed market rates because elsewhere there is a tendency whereby auctioneers and buyers connive to shortchange farmers.
“Farmers that managed to send their cattle for auction are those from Bango, Brunapeg, Mahobodo and Mabundi feedlots with those from Mpande feedlot expected to be ready soon,” Mr Bango-Dube said.
Animals that need polishing up spend a maximum of 30 days in the feedlot while those that are in poor condition are in for 60 or 75 days.
“The feedlots still remain more of a drought mitigatory measure because when we opened them there was a severe drought and we are aware that there might be another one in the next three to five years.
“Farmers are obliged to bring about five of their animals to the feedlot and they are allocated stock feed at the value of the beasts so that they can feed cattle that remain at their kraals that way they can save their herd from succumbing to the effects of drought,” Mr Bango-Dube said.
He said the feedlots were open to farmers who are not affiliated to the association but these were subjected to a nominal fee.
