To boost beef farming in Fiji, the Minister of Agriculture has provided breeding cattle to nine farmers in the Navosa Province. Minister Vatimi Rayalu had committed to supplying the farmers with F1 Senepol breed bulls during an earlier meeting at the Vatumali Government Station.
The Ministry had acquired these breeds from Australia years back and continues to conduct research, along with successful embryo transfers within Fiji.
While addressing the farmers at Botona Settlement in Keiyasi, Rayalu outlined the government’s significant plans to rejuvenate the beef farming industry in Fiji. Senepol cattle are recognized for their resilience in tropical climates and for producing high-quality meat.
Rayalu emphasized that this initiative aims to improve the genetic quality of the local cattle population, which will enhance meat quality, increase disease resistance, and boost productivity—factors essential for revitalizing the beef sector in Navosa Province.
One of the recipients, farmer Ravuama Latilevu, expressed that receiving a breeding bull will support his efforts in expanding his beef farm.
Currently, the Navosa Livestock Cooperative operates three clusters with 196 registered beef farms in the region, comprising 34 commercial farms, 36 semi-commercial farms, and 126 subsistence farms.
The Ministry plans to implement training and monitoring to ensure the effective integration of these new cattle breeds.