Expanding ADMA Agrishow horizons with increased indigenous livestock sale facilities

The annual ADMA Agrishow’s landscape is set to transform with an expansion of livestock facilities that promises to elevate Zimbabwe's indigenous breed showcasing and sales capabilities. "We are committed to creating a world-class platform for our indigenous livestock breeds," says Marco Garizio, Agricultural Dealers and Manufacturers Association (ADMA) Chairman, highlighting the vision behind this ambitious project.

For Mr Garizio, the journey to creating a world-class livestock facility is rooted in childhood memories. "I remember going to the Harare Show as a kid," he recalls, "seeing the chickens, rabbits, pigs - the entire agricultural tapestry that captured my imagination. Those experiences planted the seeds for the ADMA vision of expanding the animal section and giving our show a true agricultural feel."

This reflection sets the tone for an ambitious expansion project that promises to transform Zimbabwe's livestock showcasing capabilities. "We are committed to creating a world-class platform for our indigenous livestock breeds," Garizio explains.

A vision of agricultural excellence

The facility expansion is nothing short of impressive. With a strategic design mirroring the existing infrastructure, the project introduces 24 new sheep pens alongside an additional 24 cattle pens, complementing the current 24 cattle pens. This expansion specifically addresses the needs of the registered breeders of three critical indigenous cattle breeds: Mashona, Nkone, and Tuli.

Last year, eight dedicated pens were allocated for each breed society and this expansion allows for participation from more of their registered breeders.

Innovative design with purpose

Veterinary biosecurity considerations have been at the forefront of the facility's design. A carefully integrated sky walk serves a crucial purpose beyond mere functionality. It significantly reduces ground foot traffic, thereby minimising the potential for disease transmission. "The sky walk was specifically designed to limit feet on the ground, reducing the possibility of disease spread," Garizio explains. "This approach was welcomed by the veterinary department, who fully inspected and approved our facility design."

State-of-the-art features

The facility boasts an impressive array of features that set a new standard for livestock sales venues:

• Excellent flow to the sales arena

• Dedicated cattle clamp for veterinary inspections

• Convenient on and off-loading ramps

• Comprehensive shade coverage for all pens

• A substantial 10,000-litre water storage system specifically designed for the cattle section, with water supplied from a solar-powered borehole.

Growing spectator interest

Last year's auction demonstrated the immense potential of this venue, attracting three grandstands packed with spectators and buyers, with an additional hundred standing. "We estimate around a thousand people attended last year's auction," Garizio notes, "though we don't have precise metrics for calculating the exact number."

Strategic partnerships

The expansion has been made possible through critical partnerships:

• BW Steel: The primary construction partner, specialising in cattle handling facilities

• Fivet Animal Health: A platinum sponsor providing hay bales, cattle feed, and troughs

• ADMA: Providing subsidised stands for Breed Societies and ZHB.

"Fivet Animal Health has come on board as a platinum sponsor," Garizio highlights, "and their marketing strategies for the auction will be very comprehensive throughout the industry."

Looking forward

While currently focused on livestock sales, the expanded facility opens up potential for broader agricultural showcasing. "Currently, there are no plans to utilise the facilities for other sales," Garizio explains, "however, there may be more interest in the facility now with the increased number of pens, for other breed societies to hold their annual sales.”

The project is more than just a facility expansion. It is a testament to Zimbabwe's commitment to preserving and promoting indigenous livestock breeds, creating a world-class platform for breeders, buyers, and agricultural enthusiasts.