RMIS latest report flags beef market risks

In the latest RMIS report, CEO Dewald Olivier discussed disease threats and a looming beef surplus. Octavia Avesca Spandiel reports on market risks and strategies to protect South Africa's red meat sector.

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The latest edition of the Red Meat Industry Report: Market Updates and Insights by Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) provided an in-depth look at the dynamics shaping South Africa's red meat sector.

Covering domestic and global trends, the bi-annual report highlighted price movements, production surpluses, trade shifts and the impact of animal health challenges.

Speaking to Farmer's Weekly, RMIS CEO Dewald Olivier outlined the risks and opportunities facing the industry, with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) a key concern.

FMD EXPORT IMPACT

Olivier said that South Africa's current export markets were still open, with a few only closing trade due to FMD, like China. He explained that the majority of markets remained accessible because FMD was confined to certain regions.

According to him, exporters operated from compartments such as feedlots, which mitigated risk and were crucial for exports.

However, he cautioned that an increase in exports and the opening of new export markets would be under pressure if the current FMD outbreaks were not contained and vaccinations were not rolled out at scale.

SURPLUS BEEF PRODUCTION