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Dumisani Nsingo, Senior Farming Reporter
BULAWAYO Agricultural Society (BAS) will this year re-introduce the carcass competition at its Bulawayo Agricultural Show, which runs concurrently with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF).
BAS administrative officer Mrs Natalie Adlam said the carcass competition to be sponsored by Wholesale Beef would be making a return after it was last staged nearly two decades ago. The carcass competition used to be one of the major highlights of the Show before it was last staged in 2001.
“An exciting development is the re-introduction of the carcass competition. This is to prove the success of the farmer from hoof to hook,” said Mrs Adlam.
At a carcass competition, a livestock producer can test his production methods and standards through the expert eyes of the judges. Producers and consumers also benefit from top quality meat. The Society will also re-introduce the Best Agricultural stand award, which would be accompanied by a trophy to be presented at the main arena during the ZITF official opening ceremony.
Mrs Adlam said failure to effectively understand the country’s new monetary policy by most people in the rural areas was likely to dampen the participation of most communal farmers at this year’s Show.
“The changes to the monetary system are creating confusion and some instability. This has had a knock-on effect with exhibitors displaying lethargy, due to our Show being held early in the year,” she said.
Mrs Adlam said the prevailing drought was also likely to have a negative impact on the crop section exhibitions.
“The obvious drought situation will impact on some regions. Late planted crops will have some moisture content and will affect the quality of the exhibits, but a fair exhibition is expected,” she said.
The number of cattle at this year’s Show is also expected to be low with a yarding of about 100 slaughter stock expected to be displayed compared to 150 last year.
“A yarding of 100-120 slaughter stock is expected, lower than that of 2018. The Department of Veterinary Services has agreed that pedigree cattle be exhibited, provided they are from (Foot and Mouth Disease) clean areas and are not vaccinated. Several pedigree breeders have shown interest in bring their animals to the Show,” said Mrs Adlam.
Sheep and goats from Foot and Mouth Disease free areas are also going to be showcased.
The continued growth of the country’s poultry sector over the last few years is expected to spur improved participation in that particular section at this year’s exhibition.
“The poultry section continues to grow and a better exhibition by both commercial and communal farmers is expected,” said Mrs Adlam.
Entries on the home industries section have been closed and are in the process of being collated.
As the norm over the years the society will put on a small horse show, which remains one of the most popular events at the Show.
“The Society’s main arena will, once again, be filled to the brim with sponsor companies, who will be showcased in our main arena, with their display of farming implements, tractors, vehicles, seed, veterinary products among other products,” said Mrs Adlam.
@DNsingo
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