The latest quarterly report from the Red Meat Industry Services (RMIS) reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to keeping stakeholders informed. The report provides an overview of RMIS activities, projects, and financial performance during the quarter. 

A total of 35 animal health technicians received refresher training, with 20 successfully appointed under the project to support the national FMD vaccination roll-out.

Identification

RMIS distributed 22 000 Industry Traceability Tags to support accurate identification and recording during the FMD vaccination campaign. A new technical livestock advisor was appointed to strengthen the Northern Cape region, a fourth mobile cattle handling unit was completed, and ten AgriSETA interns were appointed.

Regarding traceability, GLN registrations increased from 7 142 to 9 388, three additional record-keeping systems were introduced, and a dedicated FMD vaccination recording module was developed.

Research found that no FMD virus was present in the 5th quarter products. Photo: Pexels

About 150 000 FMD vaccine doses were successfully ordered and delivered via RMIS portals, with a further 50 000 doses in progress. Phase 1 of the fifth quarter research was concluded, with findings confirming minimal persistence of the 5th quarter products, supporting current regulatory approaches focused on slaughtered animals.

Recent RMIS-supported research confirmed no infectious FMD virus was present in meat or 5th quarter products. These findings support earlier controlled slaughter and reduced processing restrictions, enabling cost savings and value retention without increasing risk.

Key risk indicators included that slaughter figures trended downwards, with 12% fewer cattle slaughtered compared to the same period last year, and 11% fewer sheep slaughtered year-to-date.

RMIS also strongly focused on consumer education and strengthening Beef & Lamb SA’s position as a trusted and culturally relevant voice through science-based education and influencer collaborations.

Fewer sheep were slaughtered year-to-date. Photo: Facebook

During Quarter 2, Predation Management South Africa (PMSA) continued its rebuilding and restructuring, with a focus on strengthening training capacity and expanding its operational footprint.

The National Stock Theft Prevention Forum facilitates and participates in provincial and national meetings to address stock theft and animal challenges and improve coordination.

‘Build on clear interventions’

The Agri Benchmarking project is progressing, with the first of eight typical farms (cow-calf) completed and a second beef feedlot currently in development.

The Red Meat Industry Strategy 2030 is the sector’s collective plan to grow South Africa’s red meat industry – build on clear interventions, backed by timelines, responsibilities, and funding frameworks to ensure real progress.

OFM Agri/Isabel van Tonder dg 

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