Positivity on the horizon for Ostrich production
Francois De Wet, the managing director of Ostrich leather manufacturer Cape Karoo International, has said that the end of the drought in the Klein Karoo has resulted in the highest production of skins, feathers, and meat in eight years, leading to an increase in the prices paid to ostrich producers, along with bonuses, according to Farmers Weekly.
There has been a high demand for exotic leather and ostrich-skin bags in the US and EU respectively, resulting in favourable prices. Additionally, high feather prices are due to low South African stock levels and high international demand.
De Wet is optimistic that the demand for ostrich leather and feathers will continue, and with a small under-supply, production is expected to be more sustainable for several years. However, there has been no significant increase in demand for meat. De Wet said that "the demand for heat-treated exports is moderate, while the local meat market is stagnant."
The end of the drought has brought optimism to ostrich farmers, and they are planting more feed in anticipation of good prices for leather and feathers. However, wet and cold conditions have caused a decline of over 10% in ostrich chick production in some hatcheries, which may affect the industry's ability to reach slaughter targets. Nevertheless, this could help sustain good prices due to low supply. Production is expected to increase slightly this year, and farmers need to focus on improving skin quality and farming efficiently.
Photo by Max Murauer on Unsplash
