By Andrew H Davis
One of the most important decisions you will ever make as a cattle producer is your choice in breed or breeds of cattle you plan to produce. This one decision will have life-long effects and might even make you or break you. I don't want to pick any certain breed of cattle, at this point, because there are both pros and cons about every breed of cattle raised in the US and abroad.
What many producers don't realize is there are underlying factors that should help you decide on which breeds will be best -- location, location, location.
Every region of the country has a different climate and every ranch has a different "micro-climate". How many times has your neighbor gotten a needed rain shower and you have gotten some wind packed with dust?
Every single piece of land across this country has differing weather patterns, so the question of what breed should I choose should begin with "what breed is best suited for my particular location?
There are many other factors that help us choose the breed or breeds of cattle we want to produce like: our goals, market trends, opinions, early maturing breeds, later maturing breeds, etc.
Something I would like to interject into your thoughts is how other operations along the beef production chain view the choice of cattle you plan to raise.
The stocker operators are looking primarily at gain on grass (pre-feed lot); the feed-lot operators are looking for gain on feed (finishing phase); and the packer's are looking for meat quality or Grade.
Every single steer calf and many heifer calves that enter the market system are headed down the path of the beef production chain, so my question for you is:
Do your goals coincide with the beef production chain? And if not, why not?
We now see how important choice of breed or breeds is to the equation.
One of the worst mistakes, I have seen in the cow-calf producer side of this equation, is too much of an emphasis on quantity pounds produced rather than quality pounds produced -- as the only premiums paid at the end of the beef production chain are for quality pounds.
Another idea I want to interject into your thinking process is the fact that every feed yard, across this country, has seen every single cross, known to man, come through the production chain and they know "what works best"-Do you?
An equally important step in breed selection is:
What will my land produce?
What does my forage base consist of and how many cows can my land support?
The reasons this is important in making a choice of breeds is because some larger framed heavier cattle consume more grass than other moderate framed cattle.
For example:
1 1500 lb cow will eat 3% of her total body weight per day, which equals 45 lbs.
1 1200 lb cow will eat 3% of her total body weight per day, which equals 36 lbs.
At the end of the growing season, say 6-7 months (200 days) the 1500 lb cow will consume 9000 lbs of forage and the 1200 lb cow will consume 7200 lbs of forage.
Why is this important?
On 100 acres of grassland where our average forage production in 200 days equals 1000 lbs per acre/month this can be calculated as 700,000 lbs per growing season.
How many 1500 lb cows can be grazed on our land? 700,000 / 9000 = 78 cows
How many 1200 lb cows can be grazed on our land? 700,000 / 7200 = 97 cows.
The bottom line:
97 calves produced @ 500 lbs x $0.80 = $400 x 97 calves = $38,800¹
78 calves produced @ 600 lbs x $0.70 = $420 x 78 calves = $32,760²
¹ Understanding that these more moderate framed cows (breed dependent) wean lighter calves usually, but those calves bring more dollars per cwt (hundred weight). But we can run more of those cows on our available land base, therefore we make more money.
² Understanding that these larger framed cows (breed dependent) wean heavier calves usually, but those calves receive fewer dollars per cwt and we cannot run as many cows on our available land base, therefore we make less money.
This is an easy example of how breed selection can greatly affect the profit and loss equation and negates the idea that "I make more money with quantity pounds at weaning.
In the cow/calf business every stock-person must understand one very important thing relating to nutrition throughout the cows life-cycle. As soon as a cow has a calf her nutritional requirement begins to increase. This is helpful in determining calving time.
For instance, if you know, that between month two and three her nutritional requirement is the highest all year (peak milk production), you can better plan when you should be calving for your particular situation.
This is why many western producers begin calving in the spring when forage availability is high and wean their calves in the fall when their forages are finishing up for the year.
In the eastern US, where the winters are less severe, we can manipulate the calving season for either spring or fall. By planting winter annuals for temporary grazing (in October) we can begin calving in the fall. Cow's that have weaned their calves, by May, spend the hot summer months maintaining their body condition on permanent pasture and/or summer annuals to improve body condition that was lost during the previous 7 months.
After we have selected a breed or breeds to produce, the next step is to decide how we will market our calves: at weaning, as pre-conditioned stocker calves, or feed-lot ready.
The real question is; will keeping my cattle past weaning improve my bottom line- again this depends a lot on your selection of cattle you produce, e.g. early maturing / late maturing.
Early maturing cattle breeds tend to pack on the pounds earlier in life and finish at lower weights, while the later maturing breeds tend to grow well, but require a longer time to reach finishing weights.
1. At weaning, you have no expenses associated with your calves and it might be better to sell them immediately after weaning as it all depends on your goals and available resources.
2. Pre-conditioning your calves post-weaning has its' ups and downs and at times can be a frustrating process.
But can I get a better price for pre-conditioned calves ready for a stocker operation?
This depends on so many varying factors including the market prices and your ability to forecast the future.
Some stocker calves that enter the beef production chain go on some sort of grazing and those buyers want those calves completely over the stress of weaning and ready to gain, while other buyers want your calves feed-lot ready (started on feed) and at a specific weight before they purchase them.
I hope this introduction to "Raising Cattle for Profit" has facilitated the thought processes and helped you think about the many ways to improve your bottom line.
Author: Andrew H. Davis
Bio:
I started ranching at 20 and had to learn everything by doing and now after 30 years in the cattle business I have the opportunity to help others help themselves.
I do this is in several ways; as a ranch management consultant, with a ranch tour, publishing ebooks, offering a free newsletter and other free articles on my website.
The reason for publishing this site is to share my experiences in livestock production and management, thus providing "no nonsense" articles and e-books that limit the technical jargon and bring forth a greater understanding for all.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Cattle Farming For Beginners - 7 Tips and Ways to Boost Your Earnings in This Profitable Industry
By Tim R Smith
This article contains helpful tips about cattle farming for beginners. Farming cattle is a great way to boost your earnings. Just as long as you put into mind the following tips, you are in good hands.
* The quickest way to success is across the greenest pastures with cattle grazing them. These pastures make the most preferable soil upkeep crops.
* A way to bring back a farm that is worn out is by maintaining the amount of cattle which the accessible forages will permit. You should only raise the herd amount as the forage quality and quantity allow.
* Another tip on cattle farming for beginners is to plan the pastures. Begin with a soil map and examine the soils in order to find out the trace elements and materials which may be deficient. Apply enough fertilizer, other elements and minerals in order to acquire the wanted results and sow the pasture to the suitable forages for the climate and the kind of soil.
* Do not try to create pastures on meager land if there is not fertilizer such as potash, phosphate, nitrogen, and limestone because it will simply not pay off.
* Supervision is the key to keeping fine pastures fine. It will not pay to seed and fertilize pastures and not supervise it in order to benefit the most from your investment and hard work.
* A great tip on cattle farming for beginners is to develop knowledge and experience about cattle farming in the following ways: work with livestock on the farm of a fine cattle producer or on your own farm; contact the agricultural college's animal husbandry department in your state, your extension livestock expert, agricultural professor, club agent, and country agent; visit and state your issues with thriving beef producers in your region; read farm magazines, breed publications, and livestock journals; and, study and choose only what may be applied for your farm.
* The last tip about cattle farming for beginners is to get a mower. Mowing pays off in 3 ways: producing hay from the extra legumes and grasses; mowing what the livestock do not like keeps it gentle; and, eliminating brush and weeds.
This article contains helpful tips about cattle farming for beginners. Farming cattle is a great way to boost your earnings. Just as long as you put into mind the following tips, you are in good hands.
* The quickest way to success is across the greenest pastures with cattle grazing them. These pastures make the most preferable soil upkeep crops.
* A way to bring back a farm that is worn out is by maintaining the amount of cattle which the accessible forages will permit. You should only raise the herd amount as the forage quality and quantity allow.
* Another tip on cattle farming for beginners is to plan the pastures. Begin with a soil map and examine the soils in order to find out the trace elements and materials which may be deficient. Apply enough fertilizer, other elements and minerals in order to acquire the wanted results and sow the pasture to the suitable forages for the climate and the kind of soil.
* Do not try to create pastures on meager land if there is not fertilizer such as potash, phosphate, nitrogen, and limestone because it will simply not pay off.
* Supervision is the key to keeping fine pastures fine. It will not pay to seed and fertilize pastures and not supervise it in order to benefit the most from your investment and hard work.
* A great tip on cattle farming for beginners is to develop knowledge and experience about cattle farming in the following ways: work with livestock on the farm of a fine cattle producer or on your own farm; contact the agricultural college's animal husbandry department in your state, your extension livestock expert, agricultural professor, club agent, and country agent; visit and state your issues with thriving beef producers in your region; read farm magazines, breed publications, and livestock journals; and, study and choose only what may be applied for your farm.
* The last tip about cattle farming for beginners is to get a mower. Mowing pays off in 3 ways: producing hay from the extra legumes and grasses; mowing what the livestock do not like keeps it gentle; and, eliminating brush and weeds.
Different Ways to Market Show Cattle Online
By Jamie Eklund
Are you tired of spending lots of time and money trying to sell your cattle online? Have you listed your cattle on websites that promise to give you as much online exposure as you can handle, only to disappoint you? Let's walk through some quick and easy, not to mention cheap (free), ways to advertise your cattle online.
1) Write informative blogs - There are a host of blog sites out there that focus on show cattle. Register with one of them and request the right to author your own blog. Most of these blog admins will gladly let you author blogs as long as they are informative and beneficial to the show cattle community. While you are writing your blog postings you can freely and easily put in links to your site and mention your site. This is an excellent way to advertise your cattle website because it gives your site links that will help with Search Engine Optimization and it will drive traffic to your site. Keep in mind that this technique takes some time but it is well worth the effort.
2) Become a part of a forum - There are a handful of show cattle forums out there as well. Register with that forum and become actively evolved with the conversations that are being had. This will not only benefit you and others from the useful information that will be discussed, but you can place a signature with your website information that can help you drive traffic to your site. Be careful not to "spam" these forums by just placing advertisements and not benefiting the conversations. This will land you on the "banned" list and your threads will be removed.
3) List individual cattle on a classifieds site - There are a few show cattle sites that offer a classified section. Register with these sites and list as many individual show calves as possible. There are some sites that are not as specific to show cattle that you can list on as well. They probably won't be too beneficial due to their generality.
As you can see there are a host of opportunities to list your cattle online for free, but some take some work. I promise that if you put in the work it will be well worth your efforts. Here is a small list of some of the suggested sites to begin your online cattle advertising experience:
Are you tired of spending lots of time and money trying to sell your cattle online? Have you listed your cattle on websites that promise to give you as much online exposure as you can handle, only to disappoint you? Let's walk through some quick and easy, not to mention cheap (free), ways to advertise your cattle online.
1) Write informative blogs - There are a host of blog sites out there that focus on show cattle. Register with one of them and request the right to author your own blog. Most of these blog admins will gladly let you author blogs as long as they are informative and beneficial to the show cattle community. While you are writing your blog postings you can freely and easily put in links to your site and mention your site. This is an excellent way to advertise your cattle website because it gives your site links that will help with Search Engine Optimization and it will drive traffic to your site. Keep in mind that this technique takes some time but it is well worth the effort.
2) Become a part of a forum - There are a handful of show cattle forums out there as well. Register with that forum and become actively evolved with the conversations that are being had. This will not only benefit you and others from the useful information that will be discussed, but you can place a signature with your website information that can help you drive traffic to your site. Be careful not to "spam" these forums by just placing advertisements and not benefiting the conversations. This will land you on the "banned" list and your threads will be removed.
3) List individual cattle on a classifieds site - There are a few show cattle sites that offer a classified section. Register with these sites and list as many individual show calves as possible. There are some sites that are not as specific to show cattle that you can list on as well. They probably won't be too beneficial due to their generality.
As you can see there are a host of opportunities to list your cattle online for free, but some take some work. I promise that if you put in the work it will be well worth your efforts. Here is a small list of some of the suggested sites to begin your online cattle advertising experience:
The Role Of Animals In Organic Farming
By Phongphichan Sukhonthanit
Farm animals are an important an integrated part of most organic farms. They make valuable contributions to the productivity and sustainability of organic agricultural systems. In addition to this strong economic bond between humans and animals in organic farming, there also is a moral (and sometimes emotional) bond to animals as sentient and fellow beings on this planet. This imposes a responsibility on humans for the welfare of farm animals. However, the development of organic animal husbandry has been slower than the organic plant production. There are several reasons for this, historical and philosophical as well as the fact that research on animal production often is more expensive and difficult to carry out compared to crop research. However, organic animal research has increased considerably in several European countries lately and resulting from this, improved efficiency and productivity can be expected in organic animal production, as well as better animal welfare.
There is a big interest in organic farming in Europe, both among politicians, consumers and farmers. Organic agriculture is subsidized by the EU, and the Commission is currently working on an Action Plan for organic food and agriculture. Animals are an important part of most organic farms and research to develop better organic systems is now performed in many European countries. Thus we can expect organic animal production to increase during the years to come. At the same time there are challenges and dilemmas that the organic movement and organic farmers must face and solve to improve animal production and to maintain credibility and trust among consumers, for example in relation to animal welfare.
In organic farming, agriculture is often referred to as an agroecosystem. An agroecosystem is a community of plants and animal interaction with their physical and chemical environments that have been modified by people to produce feed, fibers and other products for human consumption and processing. The goal of organic farming is to design a quilt of agroecosystems within a landscape unit, each mimicking the structure and function of local, natural ecosystems, thus acquiring their resilience and sustainability. Ideally, the organic farmer manipulates the natural ecosystem to achieve sustainable production, using an understanding of ecological relationships while trying to minimize the use of external inputs and harm to the environment.
Although it is possible to create agroecosystems without farm animal, animal provide substantial advantages for system productivity and sustainability. For example, farm animal have an important role in processing biomass and recycling nutrients. Organic farming systems with herbivores are generally more productive than those without them. The animals can fill trophic niches that otherwise would not be utilized, for example marginal lands otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. However, in order to create sustainable agroecosystems, the animal component must meet certain requirements:-
1. The selection of species and breeds must be adapted to crop production suitable for the area, to available resources on the farm or in the region, and to local agro-climatic conditions.
2. The number of animals must be balanced in relation to the possible crop production and available resources.
3. Rearing systems must be designed to avoid harming the environment and to minimize the use of fossil energy.
Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, have a particularly important role in agroecosystems since they process leguminous forage plants. These are the backbone of organic crop production because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. To obtain sufficient nitrogen in an organic crop rotation, about one-third of the crops should be legumes. In practice this means that organic animal production must be based on ruminants (and that these are fed like ruminants). In contrast, monogastric animal, such as pig and poultry, require high quality protein in their diets. These animals can be considered as competing with humans for food, at least to the extent they use protein sources suitable for direct human consumption. Thus, it is sometimes argued that monogastric animals should be considered marginal in organic farming, primarily to be fed on agricultural wastes. They also can contribute to the agroecosystem by producing useful services, such as biological weed or pest control.
Development approaches for organic animal production in developing countries has to be based on realistic and practical situations. First, one must recognize the limitation and complexities of export market for animal products, while there exists greater market opportunities for organic animal products locally, for instance indigenous chicken meat and eggs. Practical approaches for organic farming should be based on and developed from locally existing animal production systems which already have close resemblance to prescribed organic practices, such as those mentioned earlier for ruminant and indigenous chicken production. The local standards and guidelines for organic animal farming ought to be initially considered and developed from such existing animal husbandry practices. Further development of such standards will be a continuous process based on practical experiences gained from production, processing, and marketing of the resulted organic animal products.
The Success of the promotion of organic animal farming at national level will depend on many important factors including government policies and legislative supports, socio-economic infrastructure, farm training and extension as well as other technical supports.
Farm animals are an important an integrated part of most organic farms. They make valuable contributions to the productivity and sustainability of organic agricultural systems. In addition to this strong economic bond between humans and animals in organic farming, there also is a moral (and sometimes emotional) bond to animals as sentient and fellow beings on this planet. This imposes a responsibility on humans for the welfare of farm animals. However, the development of organic animal husbandry has been slower than the organic plant production. There are several reasons for this, historical and philosophical as well as the fact that research on animal production often is more expensive and difficult to carry out compared to crop research. However, organic animal research has increased considerably in several European countries lately and resulting from this, improved efficiency and productivity can be expected in organic animal production, as well as better animal welfare.
There is a big interest in organic farming in Europe, both among politicians, consumers and farmers. Organic agriculture is subsidized by the EU, and the Commission is currently working on an Action Plan for organic food and agriculture. Animals are an important part of most organic farms and research to develop better organic systems is now performed in many European countries. Thus we can expect organic animal production to increase during the years to come. At the same time there are challenges and dilemmas that the organic movement and organic farmers must face and solve to improve animal production and to maintain credibility and trust among consumers, for example in relation to animal welfare.
In organic farming, agriculture is often referred to as an agroecosystem. An agroecosystem is a community of plants and animal interaction with their physical and chemical environments that have been modified by people to produce feed, fibers and other products for human consumption and processing. The goal of organic farming is to design a quilt of agroecosystems within a landscape unit, each mimicking the structure and function of local, natural ecosystems, thus acquiring their resilience and sustainability. Ideally, the organic farmer manipulates the natural ecosystem to achieve sustainable production, using an understanding of ecological relationships while trying to minimize the use of external inputs and harm to the environment.
Although it is possible to create agroecosystems without farm animal, animal provide substantial advantages for system productivity and sustainability. For example, farm animal have an important role in processing biomass and recycling nutrients. Organic farming systems with herbivores are generally more productive than those without them. The animals can fill trophic niches that otherwise would not be utilized, for example marginal lands otherwise unsuitable for agriculture. However, in order to create sustainable agroecosystems, the animal component must meet certain requirements:-
1. The selection of species and breeds must be adapted to crop production suitable for the area, to available resources on the farm or in the region, and to local agro-climatic conditions.
2. The number of animals must be balanced in relation to the possible crop production and available resources.
3. Rearing systems must be designed to avoid harming the environment and to minimize the use of fossil energy.
Ruminants, such as cattle and sheep, have a particularly important role in agroecosystems since they process leguminous forage plants. These are the backbone of organic crop production because of their ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen. To obtain sufficient nitrogen in an organic crop rotation, about one-third of the crops should be legumes. In practice this means that organic animal production must be based on ruminants (and that these are fed like ruminants). In contrast, monogastric animal, such as pig and poultry, require high quality protein in their diets. These animals can be considered as competing with humans for food, at least to the extent they use protein sources suitable for direct human consumption. Thus, it is sometimes argued that monogastric animals should be considered marginal in organic farming, primarily to be fed on agricultural wastes. They also can contribute to the agroecosystem by producing useful services, such as biological weed or pest control.
Development approaches for organic animal production in developing countries has to be based on realistic and practical situations. First, one must recognize the limitation and complexities of export market for animal products, while there exists greater market opportunities for organic animal products locally, for instance indigenous chicken meat and eggs. Practical approaches for organic farming should be based on and developed from locally existing animal production systems which already have close resemblance to prescribed organic practices, such as those mentioned earlier for ruminant and indigenous chicken production. The local standards and guidelines for organic animal farming ought to be initially considered and developed from such existing animal husbandry practices. Further development of such standards will be a continuous process based on practical experiences gained from production, processing, and marketing of the resulted organic animal products.
The Success of the promotion of organic animal farming at national level will depend on many important factors including government policies and legislative supports, socio-economic infrastructure, farm training and extension as well as other technical supports.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
How to Build a Farm Pond
By Jan Barber
If you live in a suburban or rural area you may want to add a pond. Ponds can reduce your fire insurance fees, if pond is not too far from the house and increase your property value. And can provide water for livestock, as well as, a recreational, relaxing area for picnics, swimming and fishing.
In some regions there may be codes that have to be followed regarding pond construction. This should be investigated before making any plans. Once this has been accomplished it is time to begin. Picking the site is of utmost importance, if you want a pond that stays full of water. If there is a spring or springs that can be channeled for a steady water supply all the better. Care must be taken not to stop the flow from the spring in the process, often too much digging can interfere with it.
If you have owned your property for a period of time, you should be aware of the natural water courses
during heavy rains. This will help to determine the best site for your pond and its size. Larger ponds that can be kept filled by continual rain runoff are nearly maintenance free after construction. Pond sizes vary greatly, but while doing the initial investment of time and money , you are far better off going bigger rather than smaller. The deeper the pond, at least in some portion of it, twenty feet is good depth, the better.
Hiring a bulldozer operator who often builds ponds is a great advantage to the novice. Also friends or family with some expertise will make the project go more easily, with a more satisfactory outcome. Summer and early fall is the ideal time to clear the land and dig the pond to desired proportions.
Spillways or a center overflow pipe drain can be installed to desired water level when filled, all of which are done early on in the construction. You may want to dig a boat ramp type area for easy access to the pond and wide enough that you can later put in some sand at the edge for wading by the children. (A simple tip that really works-often your pond will seep water and decrease its water levels, so by getting ducks and or geese you can solve that drainage problem from the bottom of pond. The animal droppings act in the pond, just like stop leak in your radiator.) They will help keep snakes cleared away from the pond as an added benefit and look so peaceful floating along top of water. Snakes can be a hazard in southern states where there are poisonous water snakes. Products are available to help prevent unwanted visitors.
If you live in a suburban or rural area you may want to add a pond. Ponds can reduce your fire insurance fees, if pond is not too far from the house and increase your property value. And can provide water for livestock, as well as, a recreational, relaxing area for picnics, swimming and fishing.
In some regions there may be codes that have to be followed regarding pond construction. This should be investigated before making any plans. Once this has been accomplished it is time to begin. Picking the site is of utmost importance, if you want a pond that stays full of water. If there is a spring or springs that can be channeled for a steady water supply all the better. Care must be taken not to stop the flow from the spring in the process, often too much digging can interfere with it.
If you have owned your property for a period of time, you should be aware of the natural water courses
during heavy rains. This will help to determine the best site for your pond and its size. Larger ponds that can be kept filled by continual rain runoff are nearly maintenance free after construction. Pond sizes vary greatly, but while doing the initial investment of time and money , you are far better off going bigger rather than smaller. The deeper the pond, at least in some portion of it, twenty feet is good depth, the better.
Hiring a bulldozer operator who often builds ponds is a great advantage to the novice. Also friends or family with some expertise will make the project go more easily, with a more satisfactory outcome. Summer and early fall is the ideal time to clear the land and dig the pond to desired proportions.
Spillways or a center overflow pipe drain can be installed to desired water level when filled, all of which are done early on in the construction. You may want to dig a boat ramp type area for easy access to the pond and wide enough that you can later put in some sand at the edge for wading by the children. (A simple tip that really works-often your pond will seep water and decrease its water levels, so by getting ducks and or geese you can solve that drainage problem from the bottom of pond. The animal droppings act in the pond, just like stop leak in your radiator.) They will help keep snakes cleared away from the pond as an added benefit and look so peaceful floating along top of water. Snakes can be a hazard in southern states where there are poisonous water snakes. Products are available to help prevent unwanted visitors.
Fishing and Nigeria's 2020 Goals
By Peter O Osalor
The image is a strikingly ironic symbol of the state of Nigerian fishing in general. The country enjoys more than 850 km of coastline, besides an enviable number of well-stocked rivers, inland lakes, lagoons and creeks. The topography, soil composition and rainfall patterns in this portion of sub-Saharan Africa support an abundance of aquatic life across freshwater, brackish and saltwater ecosystems. However, tilapias, catfish, carp and other freshwater species make up 80% of all cultivation in Nigeria, with commercial maritime trawling and deep-sea fishing remaining relatively under-exploited operations. Though credible data on the sector is extremely limited, media reports indicate the fishing business contributed $60 million to the national economy in 2008, or roughly 4% of total agricultural output. The sector currently accounts for 40% of the country's total animal protein intake and offers employment and livelihood to more than 3 million people, although its contribution to the economy is minimal.
Estimated annual fish cultivation was pegged at 120,000 tonnes in the 1960s. The figure had halved by the beginning of the next decade and continues to fall; current domestic production hovering around just 400,000 tonnes. The sudden change in fortune came about with the oil boom of the 1970s, when the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves radically altered official priorities. Economic diversification was stalled as Abuja kept pumping back millions in oil profits into further exploration, to the neglect of all other sectors. Endemic poverty descended over large parts of rural Nigeria as traditional livelihoods began to wither away. The absence of inclusive growth flared ethnic tensions and provoked decades of civil war and recurring military takeovers towards the end of the last century. Despite its considerable foreign exchange earnings, human development indicators plummeted across the board as the Nigerian economy grew increasingly oil-dependent and unsustainable.
National ambitions were renewed with the reinstatement of civilian rule in 1999, when Abuja embarked on an extensive programme of economic reform and restructuring. The government under former president O Obsanjo adopted a comprehensive roadmap premised on the objective of making Nigeria a significant player in regional and global affairs. Specifically, Obsanjo's Vision 2020 document mandates sector-wide initiatives to propel Nigeria into the top 20 global economies in a time-bound manner. The present dispensation under President UM Yar'Adua remains committed not just to achieving the 2020 objective, but also the UN Millennial Development goals of universal basic human rights.
It is in this connection that the fishing sector presents unique opportunities as both a poverty alleviation strategy and a tool for rapid entrepreneurial growth. Present levels of fish cultivation satisfy only a fraction of local requirement, with exports having to fill in for almost 95% of annual demand. Nigeria is in fact the top importer of fish in the African continent, sourcing more than 1.5 million tonnes of fish annually from international markets. Unofficial estimates suggest less than 10% of the country's fish farming potential is currently being utilised, with as much as 60,000 hectares of unused land available for expanding the sector. The fact remains that Nigeria's vast natural resources and human capital can be leveraged to promote extensive fishing as a means of ensuring not only exports but also food security. In principle at least, the Nigerian fishing industry has a lot to look forward to.
Because of its extensive coastline and tropical climate, Nigeria has the potential to develop a diversified ecology for a range of commercially viable varieties of fish. The economic appeal behind fishing is tremendous, considering the secondary and tertiary enterprises it can generate. More efficient methods of inland cultivation and coastal trolling, executed in an export-oriented environment, can spur rapid growth of down-the-line industries. Fishing, by itself, has the potential of driving considerable enterprise development, transforming rural economies and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the process. Abuja's primary responsibility lies in providing opportunities for export of fish and fish products to international markets. Although viable data on the subject is lacking, the aggregate economic loss due to reduced local fish production is significant and needs focused policy initiatives to correct.
The enterprise potential of this sector is made doubly significant by the nature of the business. Fishing relies heavily on small and middle scale ancillary industries like canning, net-making and boat building, while supporting an additional base of activities in storage, processing and marketing. The net scope for employment generation, business development and poverty eradication through these allied activities make fishing deeply relevant to Nigeria's quest for inclusive economic growth.
Here are some of the most pressing arguments in favour of a rapid expansion of fishing activities:
I. Aquaculture provides opportunities for optimal land use, allowing areas unsuitable for crops to be developed into economically productive ponds and fisheries.
II. Focussed expansion of artisanal and small-scale fishing can help turn around rural economies rapidly by generating jobs and sparking enterpreneruial activity.
III. In development-deprived areas and among rural communities, sustainable fish farming can help improve both nutritional and living standards.
IV. Nigeria's highly diversified tropical ecology makes fishing in brackish and fresh waters almost a zero opportunity-cost endeavour with infinite growth potential.
Early in 2008, the fishing industry in the coastal Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom was paralysed in a wave of extortion and boat capture unleashed by sea-borne pirates. The attacks forced trawlers to go on an indefinite strike, bringing the local economy to a standstill and causing terrible loss of revenue to the regional council. While this particular situation was eventually resolved, security remains just one of several momentous challenges restraining the expansion of Nigerian fishing:
o The absence of a sustainable and progressive fisheries policy represents a fundamental hurdle, with lax government regulation routinely forcing small-scale operations out of business.
o Population expansion in coastal areas is giving rise to over-fishing and unscientific practices, destroying marine ecosystems and threatening underwater environments.
o Organised fishing attracts high capital expenditure in Nigeria as most of the necessary equipment, boats, feed, technology and know-how has to be imported.
o Infrastructure deficits severely hamper the storage, transport and marketing of fish in rural areas, making profitable urban markets unavailable to traditional fishing communities.
o Despite specific government efforts, commercial deep-sea fishing is out of reach for local entrepreneurs; the activity remains limited to the purview of foreign-owned companies.
Although the sector continues to receive sporadic government nudging and funding, the impact of these measures has been considerably restricted thus far due to lack of insight and effective implementation. Special schemes to promote fishing in target communities have also failed because of a low awareness about profitability in the business. Turning around this mindset could well prove to be one of the deciding challenges facing the Nigerian fishing industry. The nation's history and unique circumstances will undoubtedly test its resolve to achieve formidable goals. Hopefully, the fervour of the Argungu fishermen and their quest for the biggest fish will provide some creative inspiration.
The image is a strikingly ironic symbol of the state of Nigerian fishing in general. The country enjoys more than 850 km of coastline, besides an enviable number of well-stocked rivers, inland lakes, lagoons and creeks. The topography, soil composition and rainfall patterns in this portion of sub-Saharan Africa support an abundance of aquatic life across freshwater, brackish and saltwater ecosystems. However, tilapias, catfish, carp and other freshwater species make up 80% of all cultivation in Nigeria, with commercial maritime trawling and deep-sea fishing remaining relatively under-exploited operations. Though credible data on the sector is extremely limited, media reports indicate the fishing business contributed $60 million to the national economy in 2008, or roughly 4% of total agricultural output. The sector currently accounts for 40% of the country's total animal protein intake and offers employment and livelihood to more than 3 million people, although its contribution to the economy is minimal.
Estimated annual fish cultivation was pegged at 120,000 tonnes in the 1960s. The figure had halved by the beginning of the next decade and continues to fall; current domestic production hovering around just 400,000 tonnes. The sudden change in fortune came about with the oil boom of the 1970s, when the discovery of vast oil and natural gas reserves radically altered official priorities. Economic diversification was stalled as Abuja kept pumping back millions in oil profits into further exploration, to the neglect of all other sectors. Endemic poverty descended over large parts of rural Nigeria as traditional livelihoods began to wither away. The absence of inclusive growth flared ethnic tensions and provoked decades of civil war and recurring military takeovers towards the end of the last century. Despite its considerable foreign exchange earnings, human development indicators plummeted across the board as the Nigerian economy grew increasingly oil-dependent and unsustainable.
National ambitions were renewed with the reinstatement of civilian rule in 1999, when Abuja embarked on an extensive programme of economic reform and restructuring. The government under former president O Obsanjo adopted a comprehensive roadmap premised on the objective of making Nigeria a significant player in regional and global affairs. Specifically, Obsanjo's Vision 2020 document mandates sector-wide initiatives to propel Nigeria into the top 20 global economies in a time-bound manner. The present dispensation under President UM Yar'Adua remains committed not just to achieving the 2020 objective, but also the UN Millennial Development goals of universal basic human rights.
It is in this connection that the fishing sector presents unique opportunities as both a poverty alleviation strategy and a tool for rapid entrepreneurial growth. Present levels of fish cultivation satisfy only a fraction of local requirement, with exports having to fill in for almost 95% of annual demand. Nigeria is in fact the top importer of fish in the African continent, sourcing more than 1.5 million tonnes of fish annually from international markets. Unofficial estimates suggest less than 10% of the country's fish farming potential is currently being utilised, with as much as 60,000 hectares of unused land available for expanding the sector. The fact remains that Nigeria's vast natural resources and human capital can be leveraged to promote extensive fishing as a means of ensuring not only exports but also food security. In principle at least, the Nigerian fishing industry has a lot to look forward to.
Because of its extensive coastline and tropical climate, Nigeria has the potential to develop a diversified ecology for a range of commercially viable varieties of fish. The economic appeal behind fishing is tremendous, considering the secondary and tertiary enterprises it can generate. More efficient methods of inland cultivation and coastal trolling, executed in an export-oriented environment, can spur rapid growth of down-the-line industries. Fishing, by itself, has the potential of driving considerable enterprise development, transforming rural economies and generating direct and indirect employment opportunities in the process. Abuja's primary responsibility lies in providing opportunities for export of fish and fish products to international markets. Although viable data on the subject is lacking, the aggregate economic loss due to reduced local fish production is significant and needs focused policy initiatives to correct.
The enterprise potential of this sector is made doubly significant by the nature of the business. Fishing relies heavily on small and middle scale ancillary industries like canning, net-making and boat building, while supporting an additional base of activities in storage, processing and marketing. The net scope for employment generation, business development and poverty eradication through these allied activities make fishing deeply relevant to Nigeria's quest for inclusive economic growth.
Here are some of the most pressing arguments in favour of a rapid expansion of fishing activities:
I. Aquaculture provides opportunities for optimal land use, allowing areas unsuitable for crops to be developed into economically productive ponds and fisheries.
II. Focussed expansion of artisanal and small-scale fishing can help turn around rural economies rapidly by generating jobs and sparking enterpreneruial activity.
III. In development-deprived areas and among rural communities, sustainable fish farming can help improve both nutritional and living standards.
IV. Nigeria's highly diversified tropical ecology makes fishing in brackish and fresh waters almost a zero opportunity-cost endeavour with infinite growth potential.
Early in 2008, the fishing industry in the coastal Nigerian state of Akwa Ibom was paralysed in a wave of extortion and boat capture unleashed by sea-borne pirates. The attacks forced trawlers to go on an indefinite strike, bringing the local economy to a standstill and causing terrible loss of revenue to the regional council. While this particular situation was eventually resolved, security remains just one of several momentous challenges restraining the expansion of Nigerian fishing:
o The absence of a sustainable and progressive fisheries policy represents a fundamental hurdle, with lax government regulation routinely forcing small-scale operations out of business.
o Population expansion in coastal areas is giving rise to over-fishing and unscientific practices, destroying marine ecosystems and threatening underwater environments.
o Organised fishing attracts high capital expenditure in Nigeria as most of the necessary equipment, boats, feed, technology and know-how has to be imported.
o Infrastructure deficits severely hamper the storage, transport and marketing of fish in rural areas, making profitable urban markets unavailable to traditional fishing communities.
o Despite specific government efforts, commercial deep-sea fishing is out of reach for local entrepreneurs; the activity remains limited to the purview of foreign-owned companies.
Although the sector continues to receive sporadic government nudging and funding, the impact of these measures has been considerably restricted thus far due to lack of insight and effective implementation. Special schemes to promote fishing in target communities have also failed because of a low awareness about profitability in the business. Turning around this mindset could well prove to be one of the deciding challenges facing the Nigerian fishing industry. The nation's history and unique circumstances will undoubtedly test its resolve to achieve formidable goals. Hopefully, the fervour of the Argungu fishermen and their quest for the biggest fish will provide some creative inspiration.
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