Guides for South African livestock farmers

Plain-English, practical guides on the paperwork and record-keeping that come with running livestock in South Africa — and how to make it easier.

Compliance

The new FMD control measures: what they require of you

The July 2026 control measures in plain English — the five things asked of a livestock owner, including why proof of vaccination can now only be issued from electronically captured records.

Compliance

§6/§8 removal certificates explained

What the removal certificate is, when you need one to move or sell stock, what it must contain, and how to avoid hold-ups at the sale.

Animal health

FMD record-keeping: a practical guide

What foot-and-mouth records South African farmers are expected to keep, the cold-chain details that trip people up, and how to stay audit-ready.

Stock theft

Stock theft: how good records protect your herd

Why a registered brand, ear tags and regular counts are your best defence against stock theft — and how records help you spot missing animals fast and prove what's yours.

Identification

Livestock brands & ear tags explained

Your registered brand or tattoo, visual ear tags and electronic (RFID) tags — what the Animal Identification Act expects, and why getting it right protects you.

Selling stock

Records you need to sell at an auction

The identification, the §6/§8 certificate, the health declaration and the FMD status you need to sell cattle at an auction — and how to have it ready before sale day.