South Africa’s beef industry enjoyed a sizzling comeback last year, with exports leaping by a meaty 30% compared to 2023, hitting a hefty 38,657 tonnes. Our prime cuts, both fresh (57%) and frozen (43%), found their way to plates across the globe, from the bustling markets of China and the ancient lands of Egypt to the shimmering skylines of the UAE and the tranquil shores of Mauritius.
This resurgence, however, comes with a stark warning from agricultural economist Wandile Sihlobo: unless we get a serious grip on animal diseases, this juicy growth could turn into a bitter disappointment.
Just a few years prior to this export surge, the beef sector was in the doldrums. Reduced slaughtering and temporary shutdowns in crucial international markets had taken their toll. The culprit? Rampant animal disease outbreaks, with foot-and-mouth disease being the prime offender.
While Sihlobo acknowledges that disease outbreaks are a global headache, hitting even agricultural powerhouses like the US, the UK, and Europe, he points a finger at South Africa’s own biosecurity vulnerabilities. The alarming spread of foot-and-mouth disease in 2022, which infiltrated six of our nine provinces – a first in the nation’s history – laid bare these weaknesses.
This wake-up call jolted the government and industry players into action, leading to a renewed focus on bolstering farm biosecurity and tightening surveillance. Efforts are also underway to breathe new life into our veterinary support systems, particularly the crucial laboratories responsible for vaccine production.
The cost of these animal diseases is steep. Beyond the heartbreaking loss of livestock, outbreaks slam the brakes on exports and cast a shadow over the entire agricultural sector. Considering that livestock and poultry contribute roughly half of agriculture’s gross value, a healthy animal population is vital for a thriving farming economy.
Furthermore, the prevalence of animal diseases disproportionately impacts the inclusion of black farmers in commercial agriculture, hindering the much-needed transformation of the sector.
While improved disease control played a significant role in last year’s export recovery, Sihlobo cautions that we are not out of the danger zone. Recent foot-and-mouth disease outbreaks in KwaZulu-Natal and parts of the Eastern Cape demand urgent and focused containment to protect unaffected provinces and their export activities.
Looking ahead, a fundamental overhaul of our biosecurity measures is essential to reduce the frequency of these costly outbreaks. Revitalising Onderstepoort Biological Products, our state-owned vaccine champion, and strengthening the Agricultural Research Council are critical first steps.
Beyond disease control, Sihlobo stresses the importance of diversifying our export markets. Setting our sights on the burgeoning Brics nations, the broader Middle East, and the European Union, among others, is crucial for long-term sustainability.
Ultimately, a multi-pronged approach – aggressively promoting exports, marketing our top-quality beef both at home and abroad, and relentlessly strengthening animal health – is the recipe for a truly robust and thriving South African farming economy. The current beef bonanza offers a taste of what’s possible, but only by tackling the disease threat head-on can we ensure it’s a feast that lasts.
