Your Partners in Livestock Excellence
A South African livestock advisory and agricultural services business helping producers improve productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability.
Who We Are
Practical expertise. Science-informed decisions. Real-world results.
Mashikara Livestock Specialists is a South African livestock advisory and agricultural services business. Our purpose is to help livestock producers improve productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability by combining practical livestock production knowledge with science-informed decision-making and solutions adapted to the realities of each animal production operation.
Our slogan, "Your Expert Partners in Livestock Excellence," reflects how we work. We walk alongside farmers rather than offering generic recommendations, helping them make informed decisions that are grounded in their specific context, resources and goals.
Our Purpose
“To help livestock producers across Africa improve productivity, profitability and long-term sustainability — through practical, science-informed advisory services tailored to the realities of each animal production operation.
Our Approach
Solutions built around your livestock operation
No two livestock operations are the same. We take the time to understand each producer's circumstances before developing recommendations and ensuring that our advice is practical, relevant and implementable.
Practical Knowledge
Our advice is grounded in the realities of livestock farming — not just theory. We understand the day-to-day challenges producers face and factor these into every recommendation.
Science-Informed
We apply current livestock science and evidence-based practices to help producers make decisions that are both effective and sustainable over the long term.
Tailored Solutions
We adapt our recommendations to the specific conditions, resources and goals of each operation — avoiding one-size-fits-all approaches that rarely deliver lasting results.
Partnership
We work alongside farmers, not above them. Our role is to support informed decision-making and build the capacity of producers to manage their operations with greater confidence.
Meet the Founder
Setlago Rehlotse
Founder, Mashikara Livestock Specialists
Setlago founded Mashikara Livestock Specialists from a deeply held belief that livestock producers, particularly developing producers should have greater access to professional advisory services, technical knowledge and industry support that can genuinely help them build commercially sustainable agribusinesses.
His philosophy is straightforward: farmers should be empowered to build strong livestock enterprises rather than depending entirely on government support. This means equipping producers with knowledge, supporting informed decision-making, fostering self-reliance and delivering excellent customer support at every stage of the relationship.
Setlago Rehlotse is equally passionate about the broader opportunity that agriculture presents for young Africans. He believes that young people do not have to be full-time farmers to make a meaningful impact in the sector. The livestock value chain contains significant opportunities across production, genetics, nutrition, animal health, advisory services, technology, inputs, marketing, education and other agricultural services. Mashikara Livestock Specialists exists to help producers and aspiring agri-entrepreneurs get closer to those opportunities.
Mashikara Livestock Specialists is the professional partner that helps livestock producers move towards productive, sustainable and commercially stronger enterprises and towards a fuller understanding of the value chain they are part of.
“I want farmers and young people to understand that we do not have to wait for opportunities in agriculture — we can build them. The livestock value chain is much bigger than the farm gate, and Mashikara exists to help producers get closer to those opportunities.”
What We Cover
Across the full scope of livestock production
Our advisory and consulting work spans the key disciplines that determine the performance and profitability of a livestock enterprise.
Who We Serve
Supporting producers at every stage
We work with livestock producers across the full spectrum — from emerging farmers building their first enterprise to established commercial operations looking to optimise performance.
Emerging Producers
Farmers who are establishing their livestock operations and need foundational guidance on production systems, animal health, nutrition and enterprise planning.
Developing Producers
Producers who are growing their operations and want to improve efficiency, productivity and profitability through better management practices and informed decision-making.
Commercial Producers
Established commercial livestock enterprises seeking specialist input on breeding programmes, herd health, performance optimisation and long-term sustainability.
Our Footprint
Based in Limpopo. Serving producers across Africa.
Mashikara Livestock Specialists is based in Limpopo, South Africa. We provide services throughout South Africa and the SADC region, and where appropriate, to producers in other African countries.
Whether your operation is in the bushveld of Limpopo, the grasslands of the Free State, the Karoo or further afield, we are equipped to provide relevant, context-appropriate advisory support.
Ready to work with us?
Whether you have a specific challenge to address or want to explore how we can support your operation, we would welcome the conversation.