Using change to your advantage

Over the past year, the South African livestock industry was hit by the perfect storm. It was confronted with the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which had a significant impact on wool exports and prices. Moreover, the industry experienced a significant decline in prices and a systemic drought, which continues to threaten the sustainability of many livestock producers.

While it must be accepted that tough times lie ahead, the current situation presents role players in the livestock supply chain with the ideal opportunity to find innovative solutions that will ensure the sustainability of the total supply chain.

Many of these solutions are technology-driven and disruptive in nature. In many cases, these solutions depart from traditional approaches to livestock production and marketing. The