Beef Value Chain Forum transforms industry after four-year journey
The Beef Value Chain Forum (BVCF), established in November 2020 by concerned producers, has completed the development of a N$430 million beef processing facility after four years of grassroots organising, according to chairman Mecki Schneider.
The forum now has 511 producer members, each contributing N$1 500 annually in membership fees, generating approximately N$766 500 in annual income before VAT. All development activities have been funded through membership fees and initial donations over the four-year period.
"We started from scratch, without any structure, membership, or finances – just a clear vision," Schneider told the organisation’s 4th Annual General Meeting on 7 August 2025. "Today, we are nearing completion of a beef processing facility that will start exporting beef products early next year."
The BVCF maintains control over the processing facility through a management agreement with Savanna Beef Processors Ltd (SBP) and Savanna Beef Operations Pty Ltd (SBO). This agreement gives the forum authority to nominate the CEO, COO, and CFO of both companies.
The forum consists of eight elected steering committee members and five co-opted members who formed a task team to drive the project development. This team functioned as the driving force over four years, bringing the project from initial concept to near completion.
The BVCF has carried all costs of task team activities, various functions, and research projects related to beef marketing, as the operational companies have not yet generated income.
Research and studies
The forum has commissioned two studies assessing the carbon footprint of Namibia’s beef production systems, aiming to align with international sustainability and climate reporting standards. The studies are currently being verified by international experts.
Research is also underway with the University of Stellenbosch, examining the nutritional value of Namibian beef, particularly comparing grass-fed versus feedlot-finished animals. Despite some laboratory setbacks, results from meat samples are available, except for fatty acid profiles, which require additional testing. The final report is expected by the end of August 2025.
During the reporting period, the forum held producer information days in Windhoek and Otjiwarongo. These events highlighted the activities of the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the marketing function of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board.
The events brought together farmers, veterinarians and technical experts to discuss animal health, international market access requirements, and farming practices. Detailed feedback was provided on the project’s status, and the proposed slaughter allocation system was discussed. Emphasis was placed on delivery standards for slaughter cattle, including practical kraal demonstrations.
Membership and future challenges
Schneider identified expanding membership beyond the current 511 members as a critical objective. "It is of utmost importance that we enlarge our producer membership base, presently at 511 members, to also ensure future producer control of the facility," he said.
The broader membership is necessary to ensure an adequate cattle supply and maintain producer control of the facility. This expansion must be complemented by increased shareholding in SBP.
As the facility nears completion, the BVCF and its task team will step back from regular project implementation activities. The organisation will focus more on general oversight and prioritise production aspects to enhance producer relationships and interests.
The task team will consider its primary task accomplished once SBO begins operational activities but will then focus on supporting livestock producers and procuring slaughter cattle to increase facility profitability.
Multi-stakeholder platform
The forum continues to serve as a multi-stakeholder platform for the development and competitiveness of Namibia’s beef industry.
According to Schneider, the organisation has worked collectively to address key issues affecting the beef value chain, promote knowledge sharing, and strengthen collaboration between producers and the industry.
The forum currently has no revenue stream from operational activities, as SBO has not yet begun generating income. The BVCF continues to finance the direct costs of the task team, various functions, and research projects through membership fees and donations.
Schneider appealed to members to collectively broaden the membership base of the BVCF, emphasising that this expansion is essential for the future success of the producer-controlled facility.
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The forum now has 511 producer members, each contributing N$1 500 annually in membership fees, generating approximately N$766 500 in annual income before VAT. All development activities have been funded through membership fees and initial donations over the four-year period.
"We started from scratch, without any structure, membership, or finances – just a clear vision," Schneider told the organisation’s 4th Annual General Meeting on 7 August 2025. "Today, we are nearing completion of a beef processing facility that will start exporting beef products early next year."
The BVCF maintains control over the processing facility through a management agreement with Savanna Beef Processors Ltd (SBP) and Savanna Beef Operations Pty Ltd (SBO). This agreement gives the forum authority to nominate the CEO, COO, and CFO of both companies.
The forum consists of eight elected steering committee members and five co-opted members who formed a task team to drive the project development. This team functioned as the driving force over four years, bringing the project from initial concept to near completion.
The BVCF has carried all costs of task team activities, various functions, and research projects related to beef marketing, as the operational companies have not yet generated income.
Research and studies
The forum has commissioned two studies assessing the carbon footprint of Namibia’s beef production systems, aiming to align with international sustainability and climate reporting standards. The studies are currently being verified by international experts.
Research is also underway with the University of Stellenbosch, examining the nutritional value of Namibian beef, particularly comparing grass-fed versus feedlot-finished animals. Despite some laboratory setbacks, results from meat samples are available, except for fatty acid profiles, which require additional testing. The final report is expected by the end of August 2025.
During the reporting period, the forum held producer information days in Windhoek and Otjiwarongo. These events highlighted the activities of the Directorate of Veterinary Services and the marketing function of the Livestock and Livestock Products Board.
The events brought together farmers, veterinarians and technical experts to discuss animal health, international market access requirements, and farming practices. Detailed feedback was provided on the project’s status, and the proposed slaughter allocation system was discussed. Emphasis was placed on delivery standards for slaughter cattle, including practical kraal demonstrations.
Membership and future challenges
Schneider identified expanding membership beyond the current 511 members as a critical objective. "It is of utmost importance that we enlarge our producer membership base, presently at 511 members, to also ensure future producer control of the facility," he said.
The broader membership is necessary to ensure an adequate cattle supply and maintain producer control of the facility. This expansion must be complemented by increased shareholding in SBP.
As the facility nears completion, the BVCF and its task team will step back from regular project implementation activities. The organisation will focus more on general oversight and prioritise production aspects to enhance producer relationships and interests.
The task team will consider its primary task accomplished once SBO begins operational activities but will then focus on supporting livestock producers and procuring slaughter cattle to increase facility profitability.
Multi-stakeholder platform
The forum continues to serve as a multi-stakeholder platform for the development and competitiveness of Namibia’s beef industry.
According to Schneider, the organisation has worked collectively to address key issues affecting the beef value chain, promote knowledge sharing, and strengthen collaboration between producers and the industry.
The forum currently has no revenue stream from operational activities, as SBO has not yet begun generating income. The BVCF continues to finance the direct costs of the task team, various functions, and research projects through membership fees and donations.
Schneider appealed to members to collectively broaden the membership base of the BVCF, emphasising that this expansion is essential for the future success of the producer-controlled facility.
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