KZN farmers voice alarm over foot-and-mouth disease burden on dairy sector

FARMERS in KwaZulu-Natal remain deeply concerned about the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak, with many warning of escalating costs and long-term risks to the agricultural sector.

- YOGASHEN PILLAY

AGRICULTURE Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) said that KZN farmers are concerned about the impact of the Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak.

(SUPPLIED)

The Agriculture Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz) said on Thursday that farmers in the province are calling for stronger interventions, noting that the crisis affects not only beef producers but also dairy farmers who face significant cost burdens.

Wandile Sihlobo, Agbiz chief economist, said the issue dominated discussions during a September 29 engagement with agribusiness representatives in the province.

“The general sentiment from folks in the region was that the agricultural conditions are favourable, which is a picture we painted from a national perspective in our previous letter,” Sihlobo said.

“However, one aspect that got many people in the room engaged was the ongoing challenge of foot-and-mouth disease among dairy producers in the province”

Banks highlighted the financial strain on clients, while dairy farmers described the daily challenges of managing herds under FMD restrictions. Unlike beef producers, who face lost export markets, dairy farmers battle rising feed and production costs with little relief.