By Deon Schlechter
WINDHOEK – The Namibian Stock Breeders Association (NSBA) is presenting, in collaboration with FNB Namibia, the second Meat Production School which will start tomorrow (March 19) ending on Friday at Heja Lodge, outside Windhoek.
The theme for this year is: “Increased production for survival.” NSBA Chairperson , Jacques Els, says the NSBA presents this school every two years as a platform not only for stud breeders but also for commercial producers and emerging commercial producers, where they can come and learn about meat production, the different factors that influence production, and be updated on the development of new technologies in the livestock industry. Various experts from South Africa, and from Namibia, will present lectures on a range of topics. Professor Johann Willemse from the University of the Orange Free State will speak on the economics of production, and what the producers can expect over the next decade. Professor Izak Groenewaldt will speak on the importance of strategic supplementation for increased profitability. He has years of experience in the field of animal nutrition and strategic supplementation. Dr. Dietmar Holm, a veterinary surgeon and lecturer at Onderstepoort, University of Pretoria in South Africa, will address the issue of fertility and how increased management for fertility fits into the beef production system.
“The programme of the afternoon of March 19 is split into two parallel sessions; a practical demonstration of the deboning of a mutton carcass and the preparation of different dishes from the carcass, and the other a presentation by Norbert Dörgeloh on uses of solar energy as an alternative energy source and a practical demonstration on equipment that is available. Derek Wright, President of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) will give a talk on the role of organised agriculture in Namibia.
On March 20, Dr. Munro Marx will talk on the development in, and the uses of genomics in livestock production. He will especially be looking at the practical application of genomics. Professor Frikkie Neser of the University of the Orange Free State (UFS) will talk on selection for adaptability and fertility for increased production. These are very important aspects of livestock production in a semi-arid environment such as Namibia’s. Dr. Michael Bradfield of AgriBSA will give a talk on the use of Days-to-Calving (DtC) as a genetic parameter for fertility rather than the use of Inter Calving Period (ICP) or Age at First Calving (AFC).
The programme on the afternoon of March 20 is split into two parallel sessions; gardening, sponsored by Efekto. The public is invited to attend. They can contact Jacques Els at 081 128 1032 or Rian Momberg at 081 124 0288 to register. The cost for this Gardening session is N$150-00. The other session is lectures by local presenters. Mecki Schneider, Chairman of the Livestock Producers Organization will talk on the Namibian National Grazing Strategy which has been implemented. Leon Lubbe of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry will talk about the use of dry land planted pastures to increase livestock production. Judith Isele, a well-known farmer, will talk on the results of a case study on her farm on increasing production through Rangeland Management . Pieter Hugo, a known personality in the Swakara industry will give a talk on the use of Swakara as an alternative small stock option.
The cost for the Meat Production School is N$1 100-00 for a person attending both days and includes all meals, presentations and refreshments, N$550-00 for attendance of 1 day and N$150-00 for a person who wishes to attend the gardening programme.