Back to basics at the 2025 LRF Stockman School

The 17th Annual LRF Stockman School, hosted by the Livestock Registering Federation (LRF), kicked off with great enthusiasm at the Aldam Holiday Resort and Conference Centre in the Free State. Held over three days, the event brought together leading experts from a range of fields who met everyone's expectations by addressing relevant and timely topics head-on.

- By Izak Hofmeyr and Christal-Lize Muller

This year's theme, “Smart Stockmanship: Back to Basics”, highlighted the enduring principles of livestock management, animal health, farm operations, and breeding - blended with the practical realities of modern agriculture.

Export readiness

Sponsored by Absa, the opening session featured Dr Shayna Louw, a veterinary public health technical veterinarian at the Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA). She addressed South Africa's readiness for exports, the importance of meeting market requirements, and current regulations in the red meat value chain. She highlighted the fact that South Africa managed to lift a 21-year ban on meat exports to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 2023, demonstrating the country’s ability to move forward despite facing significant challenges.

Gerhard van der Burgh, a senior analyst at the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), expanded on Dr Louw’s presentation by discussing the competitiveness and export potential of the South African beef industry.

He emphasised that the growth and sustainability of the sector depend heavily on the country’s animal health status and how effectively the livestock industry responds to it - particularly in terms of traceability. However, he warned that without fully functioning and effective veterinary services, meaningful growth in the export sector is unlikely.

Beef genetics