News / National
Government launches 2026 cattle branding season
2 hrs ago |
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The government has officially launched the 2026 national cattle branding season, with authorities saying the exercise is critical for strengthening disease control, improving livestock traceability and curbing stock theft across the country.
The programme, which coincides with the start of the winter season, aims to brand approximately 2.5 million cattle nationwide.
Branding will be conducted during routine dipping sessions at dip tanks across the country to maximise farmer participation and improve operational efficiency.
Obert Jiri, secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, said livestock identification plays a central role in protecting farmers' assets and safeguarding the national herd.
"Livestock identification remains fundamental to strengthening national disease surveillance systems, improving livestock traceability and enhancing the security of farmers' livestock assets," said Jiri.
He urged farmers to fully support the programme by presenting their cattle for branding according to the scheduled dipping sessions.
Authorities say the branding exercise will strengthen Zimbabwe's livestock traceability systems, enable quicker responses to disease outbreaks and make it more difficult for cattle rustlers to sell stolen livestock.
The initiative also supports Zimbabwe's efforts to comply with regional and international livestock movement and export certification standards.
Livestock identification has become a major priority for the ministry as the country's livestock sector continues recovering from successive droughts and disease outbreaks, including Foot-and-mouth disease.
Officials say proper branding and accurate record-keeping are essential for rebuilding confidence in Zimbabwean beef products and reopening export markets.
The Department of Veterinary Services said the campaign would run concurrently with dipping schedules countrywide, with farmers encouraged to co-operate and ensure their herds are presented on time.
The branding programme forms part of government's broader #FoodSecurityEverywhereEveryday agenda aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and protecting rural livelihoods.
The programme, which coincides with the start of the winter season, aims to brand approximately 2.5 million cattle nationwide.
Branding will be conducted during routine dipping sessions at dip tanks across the country to maximise farmer participation and improve operational efficiency.
Obert Jiri, secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Mechanisation and Water Resources Development, said livestock identification plays a central role in protecting farmers' assets and safeguarding the national herd.
"Livestock identification remains fundamental to strengthening national disease surveillance systems, improving livestock traceability and enhancing the security of farmers' livestock assets," said Jiri.
He urged farmers to fully support the programme by presenting their cattle for branding according to the scheduled dipping sessions.
Authorities say the branding exercise will strengthen Zimbabwe's livestock traceability systems, enable quicker responses to disease outbreaks and make it more difficult for cattle rustlers to sell stolen livestock.
The initiative also supports Zimbabwe's efforts to comply with regional and international livestock movement and export certification standards.
Livestock identification has become a major priority for the ministry as the country's livestock sector continues recovering from successive droughts and disease outbreaks, including Foot-and-mouth disease.
Officials say proper branding and accurate record-keeping are essential for rebuilding confidence in Zimbabwean beef products and reopening export markets.
The Department of Veterinary Services said the campaign would run concurrently with dipping schedules countrywide, with farmers encouraged to co-operate and ensure their herds are presented on time.
The branding programme forms part of government's broader #FoodSecurityEverywhereEveryday agenda aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and protecting rural livelihoods.
Source - newsday
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