BY NOXOLO DLAMINI

NHLANGANO – The Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with the FINCLUDE project, is hosting two impactful workshops aimed at equipping Eswatini farmers with essential skills to commercialize beef farming. Held on 23 January 2025 at the Nhlangano Farmer Training Centre, the first workshop for feedlot beginners drew 115 participants, including 23 youth and 35 women, emphasizing inclusivity and empowerment across all demographics. The next workshop for advanced feedlot farmers is scheduled for Friday, 31 January 2025.

The workshops aim to bridge knowledge gaps and provide practical, actionable insights for emerging feedlot farmers, aligning with the country’s Agriculture Sector Development Plan (ASDP). Delivered by experts from the Ministry’s Livestock and Extension Departments, the sessions addressed the technical, business, and financial aspects of running a successful feedlot operation.

Workshop Highlights

1. Feedlot Startup Essentials

This session provided a comprehensive guide to setting up and managing a feedlot, including:

• Establishing a Feedlot Kraal: Key requirements, dos and don’ts for constructing and maintaining a functional kraal.
• Feedlot Cattle Selection: How to choose the right breed and type of cattle for optimal results.
• Management Practices: Practical tips on deworming, vaccination, and nutrition to ensure cattle health, rapid growth, and high-quality beef production.

2. Feedlot Business and Profitability

Participants were trained to think beyond production by developing a business-oriented mindset. Key topics included:

• Market Analysis: Understanding market trends, demand, and potential opportunities.
• Key Performance Areas: Factors influencing profitability, such as feed efficiency and cattle turnover.
• Cost of Production: Farmers learned to calculate the cost of raising a single animal through hands-on exercises, enabling better financial planning.

“We aim to ensure farmers are not just producing livestock but running profitable businesses that contribute to Eswatini’s economic growth,” said Mongezi Shongwe, Livestock Marketing Specialist.

3. Feedlot Finance

A crucial session led by the FINCLUDE project under CFi focused on access to finance. Farmers were introduced to:

• Financial products and resources available to support feedlot operations.
• Strategies for securing funding to scale their businesses.

“We are committed to supporting farmers with the financial tools and resources they need to succeed,” remarked Bongani Mdluli of FINCLUDE.

Inclusive and Practical Learning

The workshops attracted a diverse group of participants, with notable representation from women and youth. “Active participation from these groups is a testament to the future of agriculture in Eswatini,” said Shongwe.

Hands-on exercises and real-life case studies ensured participants left with practical tools to apply immediately in their farming operations.

What’s Next? Advanced Feedlot Training

Farmers looking to deepen their knowledge can attend the next workshop on 31 January 2025, also at the Nhlangano Farmer Training Centre. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture in partnership with the Eswatini Agriculture Development Fund (EADF), this advanced training will focus on feedlot nutrition and financial planning.

The free-entry session, running from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, will provide actionable strategies to optimize feedlot productivity and profitability.

For more information, contact the Ministry of Agriculture or EADF directly.

Mongezi Shongwe – Ministry of Agriculture: 7685 6611

Bongani Mdluli