Mixed reaction to resumption of live cattle exports

Cattle farmers in Botswana have had mixed reactions to the government’s decision to resume exports of live cattle from that country.

The government started opening up borders to allow for the exporting of live cattle in March 2019, as part of its efforts to give farmers access to markets with better prices. However, this dispensation for the exporting of cattle had come to an end in October this year.

President of Botswana Mokgweetsi Masisi announced in the third week of November that the government had decided to again allow cattle farmers to export their live cattle for the next two years, with effect from January 2022.

In an interview with Farmer’s Weekly following Masisi’s announcement, some cattle farmers expressed fears that the exporting of live cattle from that country could erode the dwindling national herd and jobs in the beef industry value chains, such as meat processing.

“Exporting live cattle is the same as exporting raw materials. While we have the capacity to add value to it and create jobs in the country, it would be more beneficial if we sell [the cattle] as meat and meat by-products,” said cattle farmer Lovy Gakepina.

“That could help expand the beef sector, as it would encourage the establishment of meat-processing firms and create much-needed employment in the country.”

Alfred Pilane, another cattle farmer who objected to the exporting of live cattle, said the exported cattle might not necessarily enter into abattoirs for slaughter. “They might use [the cattle] for breeding, hence tapping into our genotype, [which means we’re] exporting genes for free,” he said.

The Botswana National Beef Producers’ Union (BNBPU), an organisation that advocates for farmers’ interests, said that while some farmers were unhappy about the decision to export live cattle, some had welcomed it, as the exporting of live cattle could help them gain access to markets with better prices.

“Farmers hold different views on the matter, with some in agreement with it and others against it,” said BNBPU spokesperson Andrew Seeletso.

Baratang Kerotse, one of the cattle farmers who supported the decision, said: “The decision to export live cattle is a good move. Local buyers have long cheated us farmers. Their buying prices are low, and they never pay us for other items such as liver and hides. Instead, they sell these items to make money for their companies.”

Recent figures from the agriculture ministry showed that as of September 2021, farmers in Botswana had exported 160 860 head of cattle, with the majority exported to South Africa.

FARMERS WHO AGREE WITH THE EXPORTING OF LIVE CATTLE SAY IT WILL GIVE THEM ACCESS TO BETTER PRICES