Industry experts say weather conditions and disease concerns are at the heart of the issue, though the supply squeeze is expected to be temporary.

According to Dewald Olivier, Chief Executive Officer of Red Meat Industry Services, the current price hikes stem from a cycle of adverse weather patterns that began in November 2023.

Speaking to Channel Africa on Monday, Olivier explained that prolonged drought conditions forced farmers to sell off livestock earlier than usual due to the high cost of feed and lack of grazing land.

“Up until the end of November last year, we had mainly drought conditions,” Olivier said. “Farmers couldn’t keep their cattle on the fields, so many were forced to slaughter earlier to prevent the animals from suffering due to inadequate food.”

While rains eventually returned, Olivier noted that recent downpours have made it difficult to transport cattle from farms, adding to the current logistical challenges. “There’s a lot of rain now, and it’s making it hard to load cattle. This also contributes to what we’re seeing in the market.”

The El Niño weather pattern has exacerbated the situation, limiting crop production and increasing the cost of maintaining livestock. In response, some farmers have opted to cull herds rather than risk animals suffering from starvation.

Despite the strain, Olivier reassured consumers that the beef supply is not in crisis. “I don’t think it’s that severe. It’s more that the economy is correcting itself. There is no actual shortage of beef, just a temporary tightening of supply,” he said.

--ChannelAfrica--