Preparing for future challenges: Strengthening Zimbabwe’s livestock industry post-El Niño
Weather is often unpredictable, posing significant challenges for Zimbabwean farmers. Events such as droughts, cyclones, and extreme weather can devastate fertile land, leading to crop failures that adversely affect livelihoods. The El Niño phenomenon in 2023 highlighted these vulnerabilities, bringing unpredictable rains and soaring temperatures that severely impacted the agricultural sector.
As Zimbabwe is in the middle of 2024, the effects of El Niño continue to threaten livestock health and productivity. Water shortages and insufficient feed have pushed farmers to invest heavily in purchasing hay and feed, straining their finances. This situation emphasizes the urgent need for effective strategies, particularly the conservation of grasses into hay and silage, to secure reliable feed sources during droughts or unexpected weather changes.
The importance of pasture conservation
Focusing on pasture conservation is essential for livestock farmers looking to mitigate such challenges. By prioritizing the cultivation and preservation of pastures, farmers can enhance their resilience against climatic uncertainties. Conserving grasses into silage, produced through anaerobic fermentation of high-moisture forage, and hay, dried and baled for long-term storage, provides essential feed sources that can be accessed during tough times.
Having well-stocked reserves of both silage and hay can alleviate the pressure of limited fresh pasture due to drought, ensuring livestock maintain their health without relying heavily on fluctuating market feeds. This proactive approach not only fosters food security for livestock but also strengthens the overall farming operation.
To further support these efforts, innovative pasture varieties such as Reclaimer Rhodes grass from Selected Seeds offer a robust solution against climate variability. This resilient grass is designed to thrive under challenging conditions while providing highly nutritious forage to boost livestock productivity.
Reclaimer Rhodes: A home-grown solution for livestock sustainability
Selected Seeds focuses on creating sustainable agricultural solutions through innovative forage seed development. Reclaimer Rhodes, a third-generation Rhodes grass, has been specifically bred to excel in Zimbabwe’s distinct climatic conditions.
Reclaimer Rhodes is characterized by a higher leaf-to-stem ratio, increased salt tolerance, and aggressive stoloniferous growth. Its early maturing and erect habit make it versatile for various agricultural needs, including grazing, silage, and hay production. Research shows that Reclaimer Rhodes can yield up to 20% more dry matter than traditional Katambora Rhodes, reaching dry matter yields of up to two tons per cut while maintaining a protein content of 14%. Such yields can result in substantial weight gains for livestock, with increases of up to 1kg per head per day for beef cattle. Incorporating Reclaimer Rhodes into farming operations not only improves forage availability but also enhances sustainability and resilience against climate challenges.
Strategies for pasture management moving forward
With the lessons learned from El Niño, it is essential for farmers to adopt proactive pasture management strategies to maximize the benefits of resilient grass varieties like Reclaimer Rhodes.
Here are key strategies to consider:
- Grow diverse pastures: Mixing grass species, including Reclaimer Rhodes, can enhance resilience against pests, diseases, and climate adversities.
- Plan for conservation: Designating specific pasture areas for conservation ensures a reliable supply of high-quality forage that can be readily harvested as silage or hay.
- Monitor weather patterns: Staying informed about weather changes allows farmers to adjust their practices and make timely management decisions.
- Invest in infrastructure: Establishing silos and storage facilities preserves valuable resources like silage and hay, ensuring they remain available during critical periods.
- Seek expert guidance: Collaborating with agricultural extension services or pasture specialists can provide insights into effective pasture management tailored to local conditions.
A way forward for resilience
The experiences from the 2023 El Niño serve as a crucial learning opportunity for Zimbabwe’s livestock farmers. By prioritizing pasture conservation and investing in high-quality forage like Reclaimer Rhodes, farmers can build resilience against future climate uncertainties.
Taking proactive steps now will help protect livestock operations from potential challenges and contribute to the sustainability of Zimbabwe’s agricultural landscape. By working together, farmers can prepare for future challenges, securing their livelihoods while preserving the land for generations to come. The time to act is now let us champion the future of the livestock industry by prioritising pasture conservation and resilience.
For more information about how quality forage seeds can make a difference to your agricultural success contact Selected Seeds, email alex@pittsworthseeds.co.zw call +263 777 080 375 or visit them. Click here for their full address and contact details.
