Meatco to resume temporary slaughter

Meatco will undertake temporary slaughter operations on 27 and 28 October, processing cattle already owned by the Corporation and held in its feedlots, as the Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) outbreak continues to place pressure on its finances. The two-day operation follows the suspension of normal slaughter activities on 23 September 2026 and will be conducted in accordance with Standard Operating Procedure Circular v8 of 2026, issued by the Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS). Meatco board deputy chairperson Stephanie M. De Klerk said all beef produced during the temporary operation would be supplied to the domestic market. She emphasised that the arrangement should not be interpreted as a return to normal operations or the resumption of livestock procurement from producers.