Online Reporter
Precious Manomano
The livestock situation indicates that grazing conditions are generally fair, but the nutritive value of pasture has significantly declined as the dry season progresses, the Agricultural Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) has said.
In its latest report, ARDAS said in areas with lower rainfall, scarcity of feed was becoming a pressing issue.
Additionally, reports of veld fires are on the rise, further diminishing the carrying capacity of some rangelands.
The report indicated that water availability for livestock was mostly adequate, although there was an increasing distance to water sources.
“In drier areas, livestock are trekking up to 3 to 5 kilometers to access water, which poses additional stress on both animals and farmers,” read the report.
The report indicated that as farmers begin preparations for the 2025-2026 summer fodder production, it is crucial to provide supplementary feeding to counteract the poor quality of veld.
“High-protein supplements are recommended, including Urea Treatment Stover (UTS), silage protein blocks, and quality hay,” noted the department.
“Ensuring good nutrition is vital for maintaining optimal body condition as the breeding season approaches, as well-conditioned animals tend to have higher conception and calving rates and lower mortality rates.”
Farmers are advised to prioritise access to clean and safe water and to maintain fireguards to protect grazing areas from fires.
“Proper housing is also essential to shield livestock from adverse weather conditions, theft, and predators,” said the department.
“Furthermore, farmers are encouraged to bale wheat stover, which serves a dual purpose of supplementary feeding and mulching.”
This year, approximately 7 million hay bales have been produced across the country’s eight provinces.
Of the 7 millon bales, Manicaland had 800 000, Mashonaland East (1 million), Mashonaland Central (1 million), Mashonaland West (1 million), Midlands (875 000), Matabeleland North (700 000), Matabeleland South (875 000) and Masvingo (750 000).
In terms of artificial insemination, a total of 7 652 inseminations have been reported this week, comprising 60 beef cattle and 7 592 pigs.
This significant increase is largely attributed to the incorporation of updated figures from the piggery sector.
The year-to-date total for inseminations now stands at 51 180, including 13 366 dairy cattle, 3 141 beef cattle, 34 659 pigs, and 12 goats.
Plans are underway for an artificial insemination programme focusing on the beef herd for the 2025-26 summer season, contingent upon resolving logistical and budgetary challenges.
Statistics also indicate that this week, private players produced about 138 815 hay bales, while the Government initiatives contributed an additional 350 bales in Mashonaland East.
Despite the procurement of four new hay-baling sets through a grant from the WFP, Government, the department said activity has been limited due to the unavailability of key programme resources.
More hay bales are expected as winter wheat harvesting progresses.
No silage has been produced this week, as the period for silage making typically ends before the onset of the winter season.
Farmers are expected to start receiving inputs under the Presidential Silage Programme once the necessary modalities are finalised.
Tracking and reporting on fodder cropping and production by provinces, the department said, is encouraged, and the tender processes for procuring forage and pasture seed for the upcoming summer season are ongoing, with tenders expected to be released this month.
Urea treatment of low-quality roughages continues nationwide, with production increasing by 1 120 tonnes this week, particularly in Manicaland, Mashonaland West and Matabeleland South. This brings the cumulative UTS produced this season to 9 746 tonnes, much of which has been supported by government initiatives.
Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Permanent Secretary Professor Obert Jiri emphasised the critical need for farmers to implement supplementary feeding.
