Unlocking value through livestock exports

Exporting livestock might sound like a daunting business that's better left for big companies, but Gerrie Ferreira, who farms near Oudtshoorn in the Western Cape, has been doing it successfully for almost 30 years, sometimes in partnership with other breeders. He spoke to Glenneis Kriel about the huge potential this market holds, and offers some advice for farmers who are contemplating going this route.

- Glenneis Kriel

In 1996, Gerrie Ferreira became one of the first farmers to legally export live ostriches from South Africa.

Since then, he has exported large numbers of live animals to 53 countries via his export company, Karoo Livestock Exports.

Ferreira says South Africa is blessed with some exceptional animal genetics, including Boer goats; Kalahari Reds; Savanna goats; Dorper, Persian and Meatmaster sheep; as well as several cattle breeds that are highly sough-after in various other countries.

“Selling these genetics overseas presents huge economic spin-offs throughout the value chain for the stud farmers who produce these animals. Workers, logistics companies and other service providers all benefit,” he explains.

Nevertheless, farmers should be disciplined, ensure only their highest-quality animals are exported, and do all business legally if they want to unlock the full economic potential of these opportunities, he adds.

“The export market is much bigger than I am. There is no way that I will ever be able to fulfil the demand, even though I am in partnership with several other farmers who supply me with genetics, and I am open to new partnerships.

“But taking shortcuts will taint the reputation of everyone involved in livestock exports and could lead to the closure of markets, as was the case in Australia,” he warns.

A NEW BEGINNING

Starting an export company was never really on Ferreira’s agenda. When he fell on hard times in 1990, he had to sell his farm near Willowmore in the Eastern Cape, forcing him to start ostrich production again, from scratch, three years later.

Then, by the time his birds reached slaughter age, the Klein Karoo Co-operative regarded him as a beginner farmer and only allocated him a quota to slaughter 95 birds per year. The decision would have ruined Ferreira financially, so he decided to fight back.