LPO explores sheep value chain integration in SA

The Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) has taken a key step towards strengthening producer participation in the sheep value chain following a study tour to Cavalier Foods in South Africa.

According to the LPO, the initiative stems from a mandate adopted at its 2023 Annual Congress, which called for a comprehensive value chain study to assess how producers – particularly small livestock producers – can become more involved in, and gain greater control over, the sheep value chain.

The LPO appointed independent facilitators to guide the process. The first phase of the study has been completed, after which the LPO appointed a committee to support the second phase. This phase focused on gaining deeper insight into the challenges facing small livestock producers and the importance of their direct participation in value chain activities.

Following input from Dr Nicolette Hall, Executive Head of Quality and Product Development at the Cavalier Group, and discussions with Cavalier Foods on product development, the LPO determined that an on-site visit would provide valuable practical insight. Cavalier Foods, based in Cullinan, Gauteng, has grown from a small enterprise into a major fresh meat producer and distributor supplying leading retailers across Southern Africa.

A five-member committee, together with LPO management and the organisation’s chairperson, Jako van Wyk, undertook the visit. The delegation was given full exposure to Cavalier Foods’ integrated operations, which slaughter approximately 600 000 sheep annually and supply about 4 500 lambs per week to Woolworths in processed form. All operations are housed within a single facility, with holding pens accommodating around 30 000 lambs.

According to the LPO, the visit highlighted the importance of economies of scale, operational efficiency, and producer involvement beyond primary production. Emphasis was also placed on Namibia’s access to the European market as a strategic advantage that should be maximised.

Currently, Farmers Meat Market in Mariental remains the only sheep abattoir in Africa approved to export to Europe – a status the LPO described as a significant opportunity for the country’s sheep producers.