Destock to prevent animal losses

Already the pastures are devoid of grass and soon farmers will have to find ways of feeding their animals. Dams and ponds are drying up. In some areas, animals are beginning to get stuck and die in the mud. True, government has not yet declared this a drought year, as that is the sole privilege of the President. But, so obvious are the signs of a drought year that yesterday acting minister of agriculture, Patrick Ralotsia, came short of going ahead of his boss.

He did, however, allude to massive crop failure and the fact that very few farmers planted this year. He also called on farmers to destock and leave only a few animals with which to restock. The minister’s advice is both timely and spot on. Way too many farmers, especially pastoral, lose many animals during a drought year such as this one. Animal farmers, especially those who keep cattle, which are not as hardy as sheep and goats, should start preparing for the full brunt of the drought.