Meatco wants operator for Okapuka feedlot
Deadline for submissions is 19 June
The drought is forcing meat producers to de-stock over a very short period.
Meatco is looking for suitably skilled and qualified professionals to lease and operate the Okapuka feedlot and supply Meatco with cattle for slaughter for one year.“The Namibian livestock industry is currently in a crisis, facing a severe drought with producers forced to de-stock in a very short period. Thus, the functioning of a feedlot is crucial to avert a national disaster and to support Namibian producers with an opportunity through contract feeding,” said Meatco.
Meatco, in terms of the Meat Corporation Act, 2001 (Act 1 of 2001), is mandated to serve, promote and coordinate the interests of producers, as well as to optimally utilise and maintain abattoirs and other meat factories in the public interest.
Agricultural expert Wallie Roux says challenging times require tough decisions.
“Meatco admits they don't have the management ability to run a feedlot, thus the reason why the place is empty,” said Roux.
Duties
The duties and obligations of the operator, without deviating from the general duty to manage the feedlot, are set out in a media advertisement.
The Okapuka feedlot should be operated at a minimum standing capacity of 3 500 cattle within 90 days after the commencement of the project.
“The standing capacity should, however, be based on availability of water during this period as per consumption guidelines and restrictions from the Von Bach Dam,” the advertisement states.
The feedlot should be operated in partnership with Meatco by entering into a one-year lease agreement that specifies all operational procedures, costing and responsibilities of both Meatco and the private operator.
A contract feeding model should be designed with detailed costing and operational procedures for approval by Meatco.
The custom feeding model should specify the feedlot; cattle intake planning; specifications of cattle at intake; intake pricing per animal; standard feeding cost per day; minimum daily growth gain per kilogram per day; slaughter cattle delivery planning to Meatco; reconciliation of mortalities, cattle slaughtered, NAMLITS, and the Directorate of Veterinary Services’ documentation requirements, as well as the delivery plan to Meatco’s Windhoek abattoir in line with the Meatco slaughter delivery contract for the period.
The operator also has to supply financial information, a budget and a cash flow forecast to operate the feedlot for the required period.
Insight and guidelines on equipment needs, usage, repair and maintenance should be provided.
The operator should pay Meatco a daily standing fee, which will be negotiated between the two parties.
Qualification criteria
Interested parties must provide information indicating that they are qualified and capable to lease the feedlot and supply cattle to Meatco for slaughter for a period of one year. Interested operators should include a curriculum vitae, a description of similar assignments executed in the last ten years, a demonstration of experience and appropriate skills, proof of credit lines or a letter of intent.
“Preference will be given to communal cattle as per the approved 50/50 split procurement strategy,” the advertisement states.
The closing date for the submission is 19 June at 16:00.
All enquiries for the expression of interest should be directed to [email protected] or (061) 321 6400.
- [email protected]