What do hay balls, dosing syringes, and even children’s space hoppers have in common? On a progressive livestock farm, they’ve become unlikely yet vital tools—thanks to the rise of online platforms like Temu that are giving livestock farmers direct access to a wide range of affordable, farm-ready supplies.
Smarter Livestock Farming with Digital Tools
Philip Stewart, 28, runs a 161,000-hectare family livestock farm with over 250 dairy beef calves. Continuing a legacy started in 1938, Philip blends traditional animal husbandry with modern technology and e-commerce to keep operations efficient and livestock healthy.
While the Stewart family has embraced agri-tourism on a section of their property, their core focus remains livestock. And it’s in this area that online shopping has made the biggest difference.
“We rely heavily on consumables like syringes, mineral injectors, and dosing guns,” Philip explains. “These are items we use every single week, and we need them in bulk.”
Livestock Tools at Your Fingertips
Struggling to find adequate quantities at local co-ops, the Stewarts turned to Temu. What they found was a game-changer: bulk vaccine consumables, replacement parts, and even enrichment tools for young cattle—all available at competitive prices and shipped quickly.
“For just R160, we were able to stock up on hay balls that now fill the calves’ pens daily,” Philip said. “And when our vaccine gun broke, we already had a backup thanks to a previous Temu order.”
One of the more creative uses? A child’s space hopper repurposed as a toy for young bulls.
“They love it,” Philip said. “Enrichment helps keep them active and stimulated, and this simple tool does the trick.”
Saving Costs, Gaining Efficiency
Temu’s direct-from-factory model has allowed livestock farmers like the Stewarts to save time and money. A recent Ipsos survey found that users saved an average of 24% shopping on the platform, with 80% praising it for strong value. In South Africa, a News24 poll showed that one in three people have used Temu, with nearly 40% making monthly purchases—a trend being mirrored in the agricultural sector.
Philip said many farmers were initially skeptical. “But now they’re asking us where we get our gear,” he said. “It’s not just about cost savings—it’s about efficiency, convenience, and having what you need on hand.”
The Bigger Picture: Resilient Livestock Enterprises
While diversification and agri-tourism play a supporting role on their farm, the Stewart family remains firmly rooted in livestock. But like many livestock farmers in South Africa, they are exploring smarter, more adaptive strategies to remain resilient amid rising feed prices, veterinary costs, and input shortages.
Digital platforms like Temu are helping bridge the rural access gap—empowering livestock farmers to better manage animal health, improve welfare, and streamline operations from the barn to the paddock.
“In livestock farming, consistency and preparedness are everything,” Philip added. “Whether it’s vaccines or vet tools, having easy access to affordable supplies helps us stay one step ahead.”
