ART Farm, Harare, the venue for ZHB Beef School 2026

The Zimbabwe Herd Book (ZHB) Beef School returns in September 2026 with a strong, practical programme designed to support livestock producers across the country, this time being hosted in Harare for the first time in many years.

The move to bring the event to our capital city comes at an important time for the agricultural sector. With fuel prices recently rocketing, hosting the Beef School in Harare is expected to significantly improve accessibility, allowing more farmers, students, and industry stakeholders to attend without the burden of long-distance travel costs.

This year’s programme features a diverse and highly experienced line-up of local and international speakers, each addressing critical aspects of modern beef and small livestock production.

Beef School

Day One (Tuesday 15 September) of the event opens with a session by Catriona Millen from Australia’s Agricultural Business Research Institute (ABRI) on selection in practice, providing insights into how data-driven breeding decisions can improve herd performance. This is followed by Willem Augustyn, who will explore the importance of nutrition on fetal programming and its long-term impact on productivity.

Animal health remains a key priority, with Department of Veterinary Services Chief Director, Dr Pious Makaya delivering a Zimbabwe animal health update, giving farmers a current overview of disease trends and management considerations.

The programme also highlights market realities, with Livestock Meat and Advisory Council’s Dr Reneth Mano presenting on meat protein markets, offering perspective on demand trends and positioning for profitability.

A major feature of the day will be Dr Jan Myburgh, who will speak on bridging the gap between natural remedies and conventional veterinary medicine, an increasingly relevant topic as farmers seek cost-effective and sustainable health solutions.

Genetic progress is further explored by Prof Weaber, who will focus on selecting for maternal performance, while renowned cattle judge PJ Budler will share insights into global stud breeding trends.

The day also aligns with the Beef School’s theme “Year of the Boran,” with contributions from industry experts including Pikkie Uys, reinforcing the breed’s growing importance in regional beef systems.

On Day Two (Wednesday 16 September), Dr Danie Odendaal will address farm management planning, while Delwyn Roberts covers feeding for body condition to maximise fertility. Feed and input trends will be unpacked by Dr Chrispen Sukume in his talk on raw materials and feed trends. From a financial perspective, Rowan Hayter will guide farmers through cash flow management in beef cattle, helping producers navigate economic pressures.

The programme for both cattle and small-stock producers also includes practical demonstrations and solutions from industry players such as:

* Lozino / Red Dane Agri Solutions (knapsack and spray race systems)

* Nemtech (electric fencing and handling facilities)

* Trouw (home feed mixing solutions).

Additional sessions include labour motivation by Ajs Kirk and fixed-time artificial insemination (AI) by ZHB Chair Anne Cooke.

That evening, the Beef School will acknowledge effort and excellence within the livestock sector with the ZHB Awards.

Small-stock School

The third day of the event (Thursday 17 September) broadens the focus to small-stock management, offering practical, hands-on knowledge key to improving productivity in small-stock enterprises.

Practical insights will come from Delwyn Roberts on sheep feeding and valuable insights into practical animal health from Dr Danie Odendaal.

Selection and breeding are again emphasised, with Dorper Society Chairman William Hundermark presenting on practical sheep selection, alongside a session on artificial insemination in sheep by Pikkie Uys, while Dr Jesse Steele focuses on wireworm challenges in sheep, a critical issue for flock health.

An exciting addition to the event is sure to be the sheepdog demonstration by William Hundermark, ensuring a well-rounded, applied learning experience.

Organisers emphasise that hosting the event in Harare is a deliberate step toward inclusivity during a time of rising operational costs.

By reducing travel barriers, the 2026 Beef School aims to ensure that knowledge-sharing, innovation, and collaboration remain accessible to the widest possible audience at a time when informed decision-making is more important than ever.

As Zimbabwe’s livestock sector continues to adapt to economic and environmental pressures, the ZHB Beef School remains a key platform for equipping farmers with practical tools, current insights, and valuable industry connections.

With ART Farm, Harare confirmed as the venue, and the event on Tuesday 15 through to Thursday 17 September, further details on registration will be announced soon.