Vertical gains in the lambing pen: It's not just about the numbers

In a world where rising input costs and increasing consumer demands play a decisive role, it has become more important than ever for red meat producers to raise lambs that not only benefit the producer but also add value throughout the entire supply chain.

- By Carin Venter, Plaas Media, and Hannelet Jordaan, DSS manager, BKB

The common perception that farming is unprofitable, or that other stakeholders in the value chain reap greater financial rewards, has prompted producers in the Hanover district to take a closer look at the situation. With the right support, they were able to launch a sheep feedlot project aimed at exploring ways to add value to marketable weaners, moving beyond the traditional focus on quantity alone.

This initiative also serves as a collaborative platform, bringing together all role-players - from producers to feedlot operators and abattoirs – to share insights and clarify their respective contributions within the value chain.

Growth under finishing conditions

Data collected at the Hanover feedlot is transformed into valuable insights that help producers better understand their animals' performance and identify opportunities to increase profitability. This eliminates the need for guesswork or generalisations.

In 2024, each participant entered groups of six lambs. Each producer selected six or more lambs to be finished in a shared feedlot environment alongside those from other producers, divided into four pens. By 2025, the project had expanded substantially, with 62 group entries and a total of 372 lambs.

The lambs were kraaled on one of the participating producer's farms. They were weighed every two weeks, and fleece weights were recorded at shearing. Fibre diameter was assessed using an optical fibre diameter analysis (OFDA) wool test to determine fibre thickness. In addition, each carcass was weighed individually, and feed intake was measured.

Better management, better value

Everyone in the value chain must take responsibility for their products by:

• Understanding the product they produce, market, or sell.

• Identifying market demand.

• Recognising how the previous link in the value chain contributes to the product.