In Africa, counting sheep isn’t about falling asleep – it’s about keeping up.
As the population climbs from 1.5 to 1.8 billion by 2035, demand for meat is set to rise by 33%, according to the OECD-FAO Agricultural Outlook 2025-2034.
Sheep may be a small slice of the global market, but here they play a critical role, providing essential protein where other meats aren’t an option. And in South Africa, where farmers face a unique mix of opportunities and pressures, every sheep truly counts.
That’s what makes this market so valuable to watch. The way South African farmers balance resilience, innovation, and efficiency under pressure offers practical lessons for sheep producers everywhere.
Taking stock: South Africa’s sheep market
Livestock farming accounts for around 42% of South Africa’s agricultural output, reports the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF). And sheep are beginning to count for a lot.
Exports of sheep and goat products surged 70% in 2024, surpassing 10,500 tons, driven by strong demand from Asian markets and from the Middle East and North Africa, where cultural and religious preferences make sheep a key source of protein.
Wool and fibre are equally important. With a national flock of around 20 million, South Africa ranks among the top five global producers of Merino wool and is the world’s leading supplier of mohair. Many breeds provide both meat and fibre, creating multiple revenue streams and cushioning farmers against market volatility.
“The sector is both large-scale and diverse, ranging from commercial farms with world-class genetics to smallholder and communal systems deeply rooted in rural livelihoods,” explains Schalk De Villiers, Business Development Manager – Datamars South Africa.
South Africa’s regional challenges
The South African sheep industry operates in a uniquely demanding environment.
“Commercial farmers here face a combination of operational, political and biosecurity pressures that set our market apart,” said Schalk. “Persistent farm attacks and the threat of land expropriation without compensation create a climate of insecurity.”
Recurring outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease have disrupted export access. Unlike in many agricultural markets, South African farmers receive no government subsidies or significant financial support, forcing them to absorb rising input costs and disease-control expenses themselves.
Labour shortages, the need for safer handling systems, and variable flock performance add further strain. And across the country’s diverse climate—from the arid Karoo to lush pasture systems—farmers need tools that are adaptable, durable and versatile.
Innovation in demand
Faced with these pressures, South African farmers are turning to technology. But they aren’t looking for the flashiest gadgets, they want solutions that are tough, intuitive and low-maintenance. Cloud-based reporting and real-time data access are particularly valued, helping producers make quick, informed decisions without adding complexity.
At Nampo Bothaville, Africa’s largest agricultural exhibition, this appetite for practical innovation was on full display. The technologies that stood out were those that promised to reduce labour, improve traceability and enhance profitability, solutions designed for the realities of farming in tough conditions.
Global lessons from South Africa’s sheep
South Africa’s sheep sector is resilient and resourceful. With little government support, farmers here stay competitive through adaptability, innovation and lean operations.
“While we may not be the largest market, we offer a unique environment that can serve as an incubator for fresh, innovative ideas,” said Schalk.
Takeaways for farmers worldwide:
● Efficiency without subsidies – Careful cost control, low-maintenance equipment, and lean operations keep flocks profitable.
● Dual-purpose breeds spread risk – Meat and fibre from one animal create multiple revenue streams.
● Technology must be tough and simple – Durable, intuitive tools work across climates and systems.
● Adaptability is everything – Solutions built to handle South Africa’s variable conditions are likely to succeed elsewhere.
Ultimately, counting sheep in South Africa isn’t just about flock numbers. It’s about adaptability in the face of pressure, innovation born of necessity, and the ability to balance tradition with technology.