More livestock for Bulawayo Agricultural Show
BULAWAYO Agricultural Show (BAS) which runs concurrently with the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) has attracted 173 cattle of various breeds from individual farmers and agricultural institutions for this year’s exhibition.
The 64th international exhibition is set for April 23-27 in Bulawayo under the theme: “Innovation: The Catalyst to Industrialisation and Trade.”
Kenyan President Dr William Ruto is billed to officially open the exhibition.
BAS manager Mrs Natalie Adlam said despite an increase in livestock entries, the El Nino-induced drought affected the crop section.
According to an update shared with Business Chronicle, 73 pedigree cattle are going to be showcased derived from four breeds: the Brahman, Nkone, Tuli and Simmental.
Simmental is a breed of cattle whose history dates back to the Middle Ages. Early records indicate that Simmental cattle were a result of a cross between large German cattle and a smaller breed indigenous to Switzerland.
The name Simmental is derived from the name of the area where the cattle were first bred — the Simme Valley which is situated in the Berner Oberland in Switzerland. Notable entries are from Matopos Research Station, Khami Prisons, Esigodini Agricultural College and Mr Richard Chinhamo.
On fatstock, 58 entries have been made including 20 from Bulawayo City Council’s Aisleby Farm.
Mrs Adlam said the veterinary department has been engaged to ensure a disease-free exhibition. Mrs Adlam stated that there are a good number of small stocks that are going to enter for this year’s event.
“74 sheep and 38 goats are going to participate in Bulawayo Agricultural Show 2024. For poultry, the hall will be full as usual, with 156 birds on show, together with 10 rabbits. There will also be a display of fancy pigeons in the hall,”
Last year, there were 160 birds on exhibition.
Over the years, the livestock exhibition has attracted huge interest from farmers and the general public.
Turning to the crops section, Mr Adlam said crop entries are way down due to the severe El-Niño drought being experienced.
There are three cotton entries, 851 individual crop entries, 37 commercial crop entries and 12 groups, said Mrs Adlam.
She said the home industries section continues to be revamped.
“We are expecting entries in the schools’ section (represented by Art and Homecraft), Senior Homecraft, and Icing. A total of 483 entries will be judged. This section focuses on women in the home and what they do to supplement their income. There will be no horse for the 2024 show; the Pig
Industry Board will be showcasing pigs in the Sheep and Goats pens, which is always a popular display with the public.”
She added that on display will be tractors, agricultural equipment and seed varieties.-chronicle
