Livestock farming is South Africa’s largest agricultural sector and includes the production of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, rabbits and ostrich. Meat, especially red meat is widely a South African favourite. Meat is also a key export product. Export markets for meat products are stringent and require adherence to specific health and quality standards. The sustainable production of livestock needs careful consideration to meet market standards and consumer health and safety needs.
Livestock farm foremen can work closely with veterinarians and other professionals in the breeding and health maintenance of livestock. They mainly work outdoors or in farm buildings, working longer hours when animals are bred and born.
Livestock farm foremen need a solid understanding of animal production systems and principles and the health and safety standards of a farm. They will also benefit from:
Distribute feed and water to livestock, monitoring level of supplies
Monitor and examine animals to detect injury, illness or disease
Maintain, clean farm buildings, machinery, equipment and structures
Store and process animal and dairy produce
B.Sc.Agric. in Animal Science at NWU, SU, UFH, UFS, UNISA, Univen, Unizulu and UP
Diploma in Agriculture in Animal Production at CPUT, CUT, Fort Cox Agriculture and Forestry Training Institute, MUT and TUT
Livestock farm foremen can benefit from National Certificate or Further Education and Training Certificate in Primary Agriculture: Animal Production at National Qualifications Framework Level 1 to 4 offered at most Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges and Elsenburg Agricultural Training Institute. Training could also take place on the job with mentoring by an experienced farm foreman.
National and provincial government.
Commercial and small-scale farms.
Agricultural cooperatives.
Research institutions.
