Van Zyl emphasized the importance of reducing meat production costs to secure the future of the livestock industry.
“The producer who can deliver the cheapest meat per kilogram in South Africa will be the one who stays in business the longest,” he said.
He noted that over the past two to three decades, livestock farmers have concentrated on achieving higher weaning weights.
“However, raising weaning weights also increases the maintenance costs of cows,” he explained. As a result, the overall cost of production continues to rise.
At the same time, farmers are facing increasing pressure due to stagnant meat prices.
Van Zyl stressed that farmers must find ways to lower production costs, and the only viable path forward is to explore alternative farming methods, as conventional practices are no longer sufficient to produce affordable meat.
“Many farmers dislike the term ‘regenerative agriculture.’ Rather think of it as efficient land management,” he said.
He clarified that regenerative agriculture isn’t just about preventing harm to the environment—it’s about enhancing production. “Farmers must learn to work with nature, not against it. Regenerative practices create resilience when things don’t go according to plan.”
Citing his own farm as an example, Van Zyl shared some of the benefits they’ve experienced since adopting regenerative agriculture.
“Cows naturally produce fertilizer,” he said. “Their manure provides nitrogen and phosphate, which boosts soil health.”
He highlighted key principles of regenerative agriculture, including improving soil health and increasing organic matter. Research shows that a 1% rise in organic matter can increase soil water availability by up to 20,000 gallons per acre.
Van Zyl reported that since shifting to regenerative practices, his farm has seen a 25% to 30% improvement in both the quantity and quality of grazing, as well as a noticeable increase in beneficial insects and biodiversity.
“Grasses we hadn’t seen in decades, like Stormberg platblaar, have returned,” he said. “There’s also a greater proportion of palatable grasses, and we’re even seeing green grass during winter.”
He contrasted this with conventional methods, where he produced 36kg of meat per hectare. With regenerative agriculture, production rose to 70.3kg per hectare in 2024.
“This shift has helped us save around R5 per kilogram of meat produced,” he added.
“The earth naturally wants to renew and regenerate—it’s up to us as farmers to manage the land in a way that allows that to happen,” Van Zyl concluded.
“I firmly believe regenerative agriculture offers a practical solution for the struggling livestock sector.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Concepts
What is regenerative agriculture?
Regenerative agriculture refers to farming practices that restore and improve soil health, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. It focuses on natural systems such as rotational grazing, cover cropping, and composting. In 2025, it’s increasingly viewed as a viable alternative to conventional farming amid rising input costs and climate-related challenges.
How does soil organic matter affect water retention?
Higher soil organic matter improves the soil’s ability to hold water, which is critical in drought-prone areas. A 1% increase in organic matter can hold up to 20,000 gallons of water per acre. This has made soil health a key performance metric for sustainable farms in 2025.
What is the cost of meat production per kilogram in 2025?
Meat production costs vary by method and region, but efficient, regenerative systems can significantly lower costs. For instance, Van Zyl reports saving R5/kg by switching to regenerative agriculture. This cost-efficiency is essential as global meat prices face pressure from inflation and supply chain disruptions.
What are the implications of stagnant meat prices?
Stagnant meat prices in 2025 mean that while costs for inputs like feed and fuel rise, selling prices for meat remain flat. This squeezes profit margins for producers and pushes them to adopt cost-saving strategies or risk going out of business.
What is efficient land management?
Efficient land management involves using agricultural land in a way that maximizes productivity while maintaining or improving natural resources. In 2025, this includes practices like rotational grazing, precision farming, and natural fertilization, especially important under regenerative models.
What are the environmental benefits of cow manure in farming?
Cow manure naturally enriches the soil with nitrogen and phosphate, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. In 2025, this is seen as both an economic advantage and an ecological solution, contributing to improved pasture quality and reduced runoff pollution.
What challenges are livestock farmers facing in 2025?
Farmers are facing high input costs, unpredictable weather patterns due to climate change, and market pressures from stagnant meat prices. These factors make traditional farming less viable and encourage the adoption of regenerative techniques to stay competitive and sustainable.
What is the link between biodiversity and farm productivity?
Greater biodiversity, such as the return of native grasses and beneficial insects, improves pasture quality and ecological balance. In 2025, farms practicing regenerative agriculture report higher productivity and resilience due to increased biodiversity.
What are meat yields per hectare under different farming systems?
In conventional systems, yields may average around 36kg of meat per hectare, while regenerative systems like Van Zyl’s have achieved over 70kg/ha. This doubling of yield is significant in 2025 as land availability and environmental pressures demand higher efficiency.
How are global agricultural trends influencing South African farmers in 2025?
Farmers in South Africa are adapting to global trends like climate-smart agriculture, carbon sequestration, and consumer demand for sustainable food. These trends influence policy, market access, and financing opportunities, making regenerative agriculture not only a local solution but part of a global shift.
