Karan Beef has resumed beef exports for the first time in more than a year, with its first export container loaded in Balfour and destined for Jordan, marking an important milestone in the recovery of South Africa’s beef industry following foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) disruptions.
By Maile Matsimela, digital editor at African Farming
Speaking as the shipment was being loaded, Karan Beef’s Matthew Karan credited the national vaccination programme for making the export possible. “This is the first export that we’ve done in well over a year and this is all possible due to the vaccine programme that you’ve implemented,” Karan said in a message directed to Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen.
“If it wasn’t for the vaccines, we really would not be exporting. Here’s to many more exports, here’s to keeping the South African beef industry going, and we look forward to many more markets opening soon.”
Also read: RMIS: FMD vaccination scheme provides industry with pathway to restore trade
Vaccination Opens the Door to Markets
The resumption of exports follows months of market restrictions linked to FMD outbreaks that disrupted South Africa’s access to several international markets. Prior to the restrictions, Karan Beef exported to more than 14 markets across Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
The company said vaccination remains central to restoring market access and rebuilding confidence among international trading partners. “Without effective vaccination, export markets will not accept South African beef. Vaccination is the foundation of animal health, market access and the long-term sustainability of our industry,” the company said.
Karan Beef also expressed appreciation to Steenhuisen and his department for driving the vaccination campaign, saying the programme had created a pathway for the broader beef industry to regain access to international markets.
Also read: FMD | Another 2 million doses of vaccine arrive while ‘cows don’t carry passports’
Herd Recovery Expected to Boost Supply
While cattle supplies remain under pressure following earlier vaccine shortages, Karan Beef said the situation has improved significantly and expects production capacity to strengthen from August and September as herd recovery and restocking efforts gain momentum.
The company believes the improved vaccine supply will enable producers to rebuild cattle numbers and restore production capacity, positioning the industry to take advantage of growing international demand as more markets reopen.
Also read: More than 29 000 cattle ear-tagged in FMD vaccination drive in uMgungundlovu District
A Symbol of Recovery for the Beef Industry
Karan Beef described the shipment as more than just an export consignment, calling it a sign of recovery, resilience and renewed opportunity for South Africa’s beef sector.
“Today’s shipment demonstrates that protecting animal health through vaccination is essential not only for farmers and processors, but also for safeguarding jobs, supporting economic growth and maintaining South Africa’s reputation as a trusted supplier of high-quality beef to the world,” the company said.
Also read: FMD | Relief for KZN farmers as restrictions are lifted
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