10 Mar 2021

 A prominent farmer in Kgalagadi, Mr Gaseitsewe Matswiri, says he intends to export live cattle.

He welcomed government’s move to discontinue the Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) monopoly and open borders for live cattle exports.

In an interview at his farm on Thursday, Mr Matswiri said the development, which came into play over two years ago, was proving beneficial to cattle farmers, who desired to export live cattle. 

He said so far farmers were reaping the benefits as the agents’ and feedlot owners’ buying prices were better than that of BMC.

With this development, he said the buying price of zero tooth cattle in Kgalagadi region could go up to P24 per kilogramme, while BMC bought it at P13. 

He said payment was made within 24 hours, while it took up to about three months for farmers to get their dues after selling their cattle to BMC, which negatively affected their cash flow.

Furthermore, he said farmers with large cattle stock were now in a position to negotiate the buying price as compared to when they were selling to the BMC. 

He added that he believed ending of the BMC monopoly would enhance the free market economy. 

The cattle baron, however, said the live cattle export logistical requirements were a long process, which somehow closed out individual farmers, who want to sell outside directly.

Mr Matswiri divulged that he was selling his cattle to livestock agents and feedlot owners, who then sold to South Africa and the prices were good.

Meanwhile, he revealed that he was exploring direct live cattle market into South Africa and was hoping that government did not reverse its decision of permitting sale of live cattle to neighbouring countries.

With experience spanning over 30 years, Mr Matswiri said he was prepared to tap into unchartered terrains. 

He said government, through Citizen Entrepreneurial Development Agency (CEDA) helped him over the years to develop his ranch and buy new breed to improve his stock. 

He said in 1984, the government allocated his father a 10 000-hectare ranch with 16 paddocks, which he co-owns with him and his brother, where they keep large quantities of cattle, which he plans to find a better market for.

On the impact of COVID-19, the cattle baron said the abrupt closure of borders affected them as they could not sell their cattle, which escalated feeding and farm maintenance costs. 

He said the pandemic stirred uncertainty as livestock agents and feedlot owners feared to buy cattle, without knowing how long they would have to keep them, before selling. ENDS