Zimbabwe's dairy herd drops by 30%

zimbabwe Independent ^ | May 24, 2002 | Stanley James

[Clive]

ZIMBABWE'S dairy herd has dropped by 30% because of the high costs of stockfeed and effects of government's land redistribution programme which will result in milk supply shortages, an official in the sector said this week.

The chief executive of the National Association of Dairy Farmers (NADF), Rob van Vuuren, told the Zimbabwe Independent that the national dairy herd continued to decline.

"There has been a sudden drop in the number of dairy farmers in the past two years," he said.

Van Vuuren said there were still prospects for the industry despite the on-going problems in agriculture.

"We as farmers have not been spared the ongoing effects. However, it is important to note that there has been a drop from 314 dairy farmers to 310," said Van Vuuren.

Commenting on the state of the dairy industry, the country's largest raw milk processing firm Dairibord Zimbabwe Ltd chief executive Anthony Mandiwanza said there was concern about the diminishing milk supply base.

"We are concerned about the erosion of producer viability and the continual diminishing milk supply base," said Mandiwanza.

These developments have far-reaching adverse consequences for the industry, both in the short and long term."

He said the industry was working on a plan to hold the current supply base from further erosion and to ensure annual growth of 10% per annum in the coming three years.

Mandiwanza said that the initiative would resuscitate the dairy herd by over 30% by 2003, create a strategic plan for procurement of stockfeed and capital equipment as well as broaden the milk supply base.

[Clive]

"We are concerned about the erosion of producer viability and the continual diminishing milk supply base," said Mandiwanza.

In other words, the dairymen are not sure that they will be able to milk their cows tomorrow morning.

Ir even that they will have cows tomorrow morning.

Or even that the veldt will not have been set ablaze overnight.

Or even that they will have a home tomorrow morning.

For sure, they will have nothing to feed to the cows this winter (if the poachers have left any behind).

[Clive]

-

[CWRWinger]

Watch and see if Mugabe and his people change to raising goats instead of cows. Then watch Zim turn into a desert with not a green thing anywhere.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Many of the herds have been left unattended because the "veterans" refused to allow farmers to tend to them.
Disease, starvation, theft and butchery have culled the herds. Could they have possibly done more damage if this had been planned?

[bamafour]

"There has been a sudden drop in the number of dairy farmers in the past two years," he said.
Well, duh!
They are killing or running off the farmers with the knowledge and expertise!

[harpu]

OH BOY...I guess it's time to empty out my Ben & Jerry's portfolio!?!

BTW - who give's two 'cow pies' if the Zimbabwe dairy herd is down 30%???

What's this forum sinking too.

[Man from Oz]

Dear Harpu, I think this was a very relevant post. Just another indicator of a country's ability to feed its citizens. The implications of this land steal will become relevant to EVERYBODY when images of starving children hit the waves and the requests for food shipment begin.

[harpu]

It's in Zimbabwe - who gives a "flying cow pattie" if these fools send themselves to extinction!!! It just means less of these dingalings populating our already overcrowded world of dingalings.

GEEEEZ - get a FReeping life!!!!

[Clive]

"GEEEEZ - get a FReeping life!!!!"

OK, as you put it that way, I'll stop.

Au revoir, bon chance.

Regards,
- Clive

[another cricket]

Ah, yes, the obligatory "If it didn't happen to me it isn't important." post.

No one made you read it, dear. Complain to Jim Robinson if you think this shouldn't be here.

Ignore this fool, Clive. The rest of us get it.

a.cricket

[archy]

It's in Zimbabwe - who gives a "flying cow pattie" if these fools send themselves to extinction!!! It just means less of these dingalings populating our already overcrowded world of dingalings.

GEEEEZ - get a FReeping life!!!!

Perhaps this will help put it in better perspective for you. If you can't figure out the connection between the recent events in the US and those in Rhodesia 22 years ago, just keep watching the news.

Or, alternately, you're welcome to keep your head in the sand, rather like an ostrach. Of course, the jackals may come out to feast on the bits left exposed as you're bent over that way....

-archy-/-

[Man from Oz]

My "freeping life" centers around food production and I very much concur that it is just Zimbabwe (Can you spell it without having to look it up?). Look at what is happening on the entire continent..... The instability has incredible ramifications to US.

[harpu]

"My "freeping life" centers around food production..." HMMMM - kind of says it all, right there!

WRONG FORUM - dildo!

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How could it be any clearer - dildo!

[harpu]

Oops - I wasn't intentionally leaving you two out - sorry.

Now, see reply #13, and have a very nice Memorial Day.

[tet68]

Put your shorts on backwards this morning?

[another cricket]

Neither could this:

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Hope you had a nice holiday.

a.cricket

[Man from Oz]

Dear Harpoon, er harpu, I sincerely regret that my comments to your original post has resulted in a very rapid decline in meaningful conversation with you (Please see the reminder note from Mr. Jim regarding NO profanity, NO personal attacks, NO racism or violence in posts). Your pet reference term to me (viz. dildo) suggests that your primary fixation/forum could be found in the self-help section of several websites that sell sexual aids. Check it out. It might very well help you become a happier, more fulfilled person! Again, my earlier comments directed to your thoughts regarding the relevance of milk production merely pointed out the added symptoms of this African country spiraling downward. I have worked with graduate students from S. Africa and Zimbabwe (British and Dutch descent) who have discussed at length the loss of family and farmland to these murderous, thieving vermin. A relevant post? You bet, ALL of S. Africa is in a world of hurt and again, we will be asked for food aid to support the consequences of these self-serving regimes. My two cents.

[harpu]

And, here's your change... two cents.