Beef School 2024: Not to be missed

The Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) 12th Annual Beef School is just around the corner, and it's an event that no serious cattleman or woman can afford to overlook. Scheduled over three days from Tuesday, 17 September to Thursday, 19 September, and held in Bulawayo, this year's program offers an impressive lineup of experts addressing topics aimed at enhancing the practices and profitability of beef cattle production in Zimbabwe.

Lineup of topics

This year's Beef School promises to cover a multitude of critical subjects that resonate with the current challenges and opportunities in the cattle industry. Each session is designed to provide actionable advice and insights, ensuring participants leave with a wealth of information that can be directly applied to their operations.

Cash flows and the viability of beef cattle operations

Understanding the intricacies of cash flow is essential for any successful business, including cattle farming. This session will delve into financial management, helping attendees recognise and analyse the various costs associated with beef production. Participants will learn strategies to optimise their operations, ensuring long-term viability in a competitive market.

Breeding objectives

Effective breeding is at the heart of successful cattle production. This topic will explore the essential factors in establishing clear breeding objectives, including genetic selection, reproductive performance, and the importance of maintaining breed integrity. By understanding these principles, farmers can significantly improve their herd quality and productivity.

Animal fertility

Animal fertility is a cornerstone of successful breeding programs. This topic will explore the factors influencing fertility rates and provide practical tips for enhancing reproductive performance within herds.

Enzootic stability to tick-borne diseases

Tick-borne diseases pose a significant threat to livestock health and productivity. This session will address the concept of enzootic stability and how it can be achieved through strategic management practices. Participants will gain insights into tick control measures and the importance of maintaining herd immunity.

Making the best use of stovers

As the agricultural landscape changes, so too must our approaches to resource management. This session will cover innovative methods for maximising the use of stovers. By effectively utilising stovers, farmers can enhance their feeding strategies and reduce feed costs.

Ammoniation of hay and crop residues

In an era of rising feed prices, the ammoniation of hay and crop residues offers a viable solution to improve the nutritional value of low-quality forage. This session will explore the benefits of ammoniation, demonstrating how it can lead to better livestock performance and overall herd health.

Bush meal

This session will focus on bush meal production and strategies to adopt to ensure the survival of your cattle herd over the long-dry season and drought conditions.

History of indigenous breeds in Zimbabwe

Understanding the historical context of indigenous breeds can provide valuable insights into their unique characteristics and advantages. This topic will highlight the significance of indigenous breeds in Zimbabwe, focusing on their adaptability, resilience, and importance in the national economy.

The Year of the Tuli

Every year the ZHB selects a cattle breed to be showcased and this year, it’s the Tuli’s turn. The Tuli is renowned for its resilience, adaptability, fertility and carcass attributes in Zimbabwe's diverse climatic conditions. This discussion will provide insights into the breed's history, characteristics, and how it can play a pivotal role in sustainable beef production.

Disease update from the Government Department of Veterinary Services

This session will share critical official updates and news of diseases from the Veterinary Services Department.

Manufacture of the JD17 Vaccine

The development and use of vaccines are vital in combatting livestock diseases. This session will discuss the January Disease 17 vaccine, its significance, and its impact on the health of our national cattle herd.

Practical animal health

Understanding practical animal health measures is essential for every cattle producer. This session will cover essential skills such as branding, injecting, and tubing, providing participants with hands-on knowledge to manage their herds effectively.

Functionally efficient breeding animals

Selecting the right breeding animals is key to a successful cattle operation. This topic will delve into the characteristics of functionally efficient animals, guiding producers in making informed breeding decisions that enhance herd productivity.

Holistic dryland grazing management

Sustainable grazing practices are essential for maintaining pasture health and optimising cattle production. This session will explore holistic approaches to dryland grazing management, emphasising the importance of resource conservation.

According to Dr Mario Beffa, ZHB manager, the ZHB Annual Beef School is not just an educational event; it is an opportunity for cattle producers to network, share experiences, and advance their knowledge. With a rich curriculum that addresses the pressing needs of the industry, attendees will walk away equipped with the tools to enhance their cattle operations and contribute to the growth of Zimbabwe’s beef industry.

Dr Beffa also gave thanks to the event sponsors: “As we prepare for another enriching edition of the ZHB Annual Beef School, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the industry players and sponsors (National Foods, Coopers Animal Health, Feedmix, Fivet, Red Dane Farming and Windmill) who make this event possible. Your unwavering support and commitment to advancing the cattle industry in Zimbabwe play an essential role in fostering innovation and sharing knowledge among producers. Together, we are building a stronger, more sustainable beef sector that benefits not only livestock farmers but also contributes significantly to our nation's economy.”

Don’t miss this chance to elevate your cattle farming practices – mark your calendars and join us in Bulawayo this September!

Contact the ZHB directly on trace@lit.co.zw