Windhoek
Meatco corporate communications officer Undamuje Hambira says Meatco’s communal farmers’ liaison meetings (FLMs) are one of the ways in which the corporation engages with farmers on a personal level to ensure that both parties work towards a common goal and vision in the farming sector.
Each of the meetings which kicked off last month was attended by close to 75 farmers and interested community members, with the aim of changing farming methods and realising maximum returns through Meatco.
“The meetings’ theme related to the semi-closure of the South African border and what options a weaner producer has. This is a timely and relevant topic for communal producers, as they exported more than half of their weaners to South Africa before the border closed,” said Hambira.
Meatco executive: stakeholder relations and corporate affairs, Vehaka Tjimune, shared ways in which farmers can improve their farming techniques and how to meet certain requirements in order to deliver animals with the right weight to Meatco feedlots.
He also urged farmers to enter Meatco’s weaner competition, held at the Okakarara Trade Fair for the past five years. Through this competition farmers educate themselves on the methods of raising weaners to meet feedlot delivery requirements.
Farmers were pleased with the information Meatco disseminated because many producers in communal areas find it difficult to produce feedlot quality weaners due to the drought and the cost of fodder.
Otjituuo Conservancy chairperson Kapenauarue Katjiveri thanked Meatco’s CEO and executives for coming to them to share valuable information that can enhance farming and, in turn, improve livelihoods.
Another well-supported FLM took place in Rundu in Kavango East last week. The FLMs for this year kicked off at Coblenz and Okakarara last month. This is to be followed up next Monday between 09h00-13h00 in Opuwo and then next Tuesday at Erwee at 13:00. Next month the FLMs start on October 10 in Otjinene, 09:00 – 13:00; October 11, Aminuis, 09:00 – 13:00; and on October 27 in Swakopmund, 09:00 – 13:00.