Livestock farmers within and surrounding the King Cetshwayo District Municipality have been equipped with the latest knowledge and best practices to enhance their animal production. This information-sharing engagement took place at Inkosi Owen Sithole College of Agriculture, under uMfolozi Local Municipality on 11 September 2025. Livestock researchers conduct research and disseminate the information and skills to farmers in order to proactively influence the direction of the agricultural sector. This engagement, themed 'Indigenous Chickens and Food Security', formed part of the various information day sessions held at all six of the Department's Research Stations across the province.
Addressing farmers, the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Ms. Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, said that the Department's research objectives are realised through consistent investment in knowledge acquisition to provide solutions for the farming community.
"I am pleased with the attendance that also included young people who came on board to join farmers from the District to learn about our programmes and opportunities. We depend on them to elevate the agricultural sector to new heights. We are concerned about aging farmers. Therefore, young people are urgently needed to leverage their dynamism to fuel the sector with their energy. We urge young people to pursue careers in the agricultural sector. They can rest assured they will not be bored in the sector, as we also infuse science and cutting-edge technology in agriculture."
kaMadlopha-Mthethwa hailed information day sessions as a game changer for farmers: "Livestock farmers have come here to gain in-depth knowledge about livestock nutrition, pasture management, feedlots and cattle production. The session has had experts who addressed challenges faced by farmers in the livestock industry, such as poor growth rates in cattle and goats. This engagement has proven a valuable opportunity for many farmers who are empowered with knowledge on various topics pertaining to their livestock."
Approximately one hundred farmers took part in the session and various stakeholders showcased their exhibitions outside the main hall where the public were taken through various cutting-edge technologies used in modern farming, such as animal feed, indigenous goats, indigenous chicken processing and wors from indigenous goats.
Farmers were informed in detail on the following topics: pasture management for small-holder farmers, Indigenous chicken production-breeding and rearing and animal health.
