Mobile units change livestock management

December 2024

THE RED MEAT INDUSTRY SERVICES (RMIS) HAS LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE AIMED AT TRANSFORMING LIVESTOCK MANAGEMENT FOR SMALL-SCALE AND COMMUNAL FARMERS ACROSS SOUTH AFRICA. THE NEW MOBILE PROCESSING UNITS (MPUs) ARE DESIGNED TO BRING ESSENTIAL LIVESTOCK SERVICES, INCLUDING TAGGING, BRANDING, DEHORNING AND VACCINATIONS, DIRECTLY TO FARMERS.

The RMIS is a not-for-profit company responsible for delivering industry services with statutory funding to enhance the South African primary value chain from farmer to abattoir. Its inclusive growth pillar focuses specifically on the upliftment of small-scale and communal farmers and the concept of mobile processing units was developed to optimise and support this mission.

With over R9 million in funding committed to the project, the RMIS is set to roll out nine new mobile processing units (MPUs) across all provinces in 2025. These fully equipped mobile facilities deliver essential livestock management services right where farmers need them. Each unit is designed to provide efficient, humane livestock handling and processing services, including tagging, branding, dehorning and vaccinations.

A successful pilot phase, conducted in 2024, saw over 2 000 cattle processed across various emerging farms and communal dip tanks. This critical test provided invaluable insights into the operational efficiency of the MPU and helped refine the logistics and technical aspects of the project. The feedback from small-scale farmers during the pilot was overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the project’s potential to drive meaningful change in local livestock management practices.

Beyond just testing equipment, the pilot also provided an opportunity to engage with local farmers, helping to build trust and gauge interest. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with farmers expressing strong support for the project.

INTRODUCING THE MOBILE PROCESSING UNITS

The MPU is outfitted with:

• A body crush and neck clamp for safe animal handling.
• An electronic scale to ensure precise weight measurement.
• A high-frequency tag scanner to support traceability and animal identification.
• A range of animal handling tools for efficient, humane treatment.

MPUs are operated by trained production specialists, ensuring that all procedures follow proper specifications and biosecurity standards. This allows farmers to manage their livestock more effectively, improving both health and productivity while adhering to the highest standards of animal welfare.

How the MPU benefits farmers

These units help bridge the gap between farmers and much-needed livestock services, offering tangible advantages such as:

• Improved livestock health: Vaccinations, tagging, and other services delivered on-site mean better animal care, leading to healthier herds.
• Enhanced productivity: With proper livestock management, farmers can increase their production, enabling more consistent supply to markets.
• Increased market access: By improving livestock traceability and overall health, farmers can enter formal markets, both locally and internationally.
• Cost and time efficiency: Bringing services directly to farmers reduces the need for long, costly trips to far-off processing centres.

PROJECTED OUTCOMES FOR 2025

In 2025, RMIS plans to expand the MPU programme to every province in South Africa, deploying nine units across the country. Each MPU will target centralised locations, such as communal diptanks, while supporting existing projects like the Land Development Support Programme.

The projected impact of the national rollout includes:

• 9 MPUs processing an average of 150 animals per day.
• 27 000 animals processed per month.
• 297 000 animals processed annually.
• 1 485 000 animals processed over five years.

This initiative has the potential to revolutionise livestock management in South Africa, directly benefiting farmers and significantly contributing to the country’s agricultural sector.

The RMIS invites potential funders and stakeholders to join this collaborative effort. To find out more or to get involved, please visit the website, www.rmis.co.za.

Source: https://rmis.co.za/news/introducing-the-rmis-mobile-processing-units/  

Publication: December 2024

Section: Pula/Imvula