The Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) plays a vital role in representing South Africa’s primary cattle, sheep, and goat producers. At its core, the RPO is committed to enhancing the sustainability and profitability of red meat farming, particularly in an era marked by increasing challenges such as disease outbreaks, stock theft, and market access restrictions.
Strong Industry Representation
The RPO acts as a unified voice for red meat producers in high-level discussions that shape agricultural policy and commercial dynamics. As a registered affected group at the National Agricultural Marketing Council, the RPO participates in official government platforms addressing issues relevant to red meat farming.
It also holds positions in national agricultural bodies such as Agri SA, TLU SA, and several organisations across the red meat and natural fibre value chains. These affiliations enable the RPO to influence key decisions and ensure that producers’ needs are not overlooked.
Information Sharing and Farmer Support
An essential part of the RPO’s work is the dissemination of timely and relevant information to its members. This includes:
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Weekly market reports
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Stock theft alerts
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Predation and natural resource management updates
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National crisis alerts such as droughts
The organisation also mobilises experts to provide technical support, helping members address complex issues, from disease control to compliance with regulations.
Biosecurity and Disease Management
In the wake of recent foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreaks, the RPO has doubled down on its efforts to guide members through the often complex regulatory environment surrounding disease control.
By liaising directly with government, the RPO ensures that biosecurity regulations are both practical and effective. It also assists affected producers with clear guidance on disease protocols to protect both livestock and livelihoods.
Navigating Major Challenges
The livestock sector is grappling with several pressing challenges, including:
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Biosecurity threats
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Lack of comprehensive traceability systems
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Rising stock theft
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Predation
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Pressure on natural resources
To address these, the RPO engages with all stakeholders—government, private partners, and civil society—at both provincial and national levels. This helps producers stay informed and better equipped to manage risks.
Opening Export Markets
A major RPO priority is improving profitability through export opportunities. The organisation plays a key role in:
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The National Genetic Export Advisory Committee, which facilitates the export of high-demand cattle and sheep genetics to neighbouring countries.
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The Livestock Export Forum, which explores opportunities for live animal exports, creating sustainable markets beyond South Africa’s borders.
However, disease outbreaks such as FMD have hindered these initiatives. The RPO continues to push for solutions that balance biosecurity with trade facilitation.
Regional and Global Partnerships
As the founding member of the International Red Meat Forum, the RPO represents producers from South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana, addressing cross-border issues at the producer level.
It is also negotiating with various partners to provide direct member benefits, particularly in areas such as training, market access, and technology adoption.
Statutory Levy Oversight
The RPO has been instrumental in establishing the statutory levy system. As part of the Red Meat Primary Cluster and Red Meat Industry Services, the RPO helps ensure that levy funds are transparently and effectively applied—always with the primary producer in mind.
Shaping the Future
The RPO actively participates in over 140 industry forums and has a hand in shaping legislation that directly affects red meat producers. Whether it’s animal identification, traceability, export regulation, or producer sustainability, the RPO remains a critical force working for the benefit of farmers across South Africa.
