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How Can We Help Address The Challenges Facing Farmers Affected By The Foot-and-mouth Crisis?
by Judy Richardson and Michael Cox
On 14 January 2026, the Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, announced the government’s new containment strategy to tackle the rampant spread of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) throughout most of South Africa.
Outbreaks of FMD have been confirmed in most provinces, with the North West, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Gauteng, the Free State, and Mpumalanga being the most affected at this stage. This has led to strict quarantine measures being imposed on affected and surrounding farms, halting sales and the movement of livestock from affected areas and putting enormous financial pressure on farmers. A 10-year roadmap has been disclosed to try to overcome the crisis. The success of this plan is reliant on the compliance and involvement of all stakeholders.
How can we help?
EasyWean® NoseRings® are designed to allow farmers to wean their calves without separating them from their mothers. This addresses the very real challenge of being unable to separate animals due to the movement restrictions imposed by FMD. At the same time, calves will continue to grow next to their mothers, and cows will be able to recover their condition for the next calving.
Herd and grazing management are made easier as farms can reduce the number of herds and maximise rest and regrowth of grazing, which is critical at this time of the year, especially if livestock numbers cannot be reduced as the sale of animals is prohibited. EasyWean® NoseRing® is a flexible device that allows farmers to adapt to management challenges, such as movement restrictions, or to ensure early weaning in difficult years. Calves stay in the herd and continue to grow without putting pressure on the cows
These noserings aren’t merely tools. They are an investment for farmers to ensure calmer animals, increased production, flexible management of weaning for different farming systems and long-term profitability – even during a crisis such as FMD.
EasyWean® is offering a special discount on the original orange calf NoseRings® to assist farmers in facing the FMD challenge by making herd and grazing management just a little easier. This exclusive offer is available from the beginning of February to the end of April this year. Ask for NoseRings® , distributed by Swavet, at your local co-op. It is only a NoseRing® if it says so.