At this year’s NAMPO Harvest Day 2026, African Agri Magazine had the opportunity to speak with Willie Kruger, who introduced one of the exhibition’s standout livestock management solutions — the Studmaster Sheep Handling and Drafting System from Datamars Livestock.
Based in Cape Town, Datamars Livestock used the NAMPO platform to demonstrate how smart livestock technology is helping modern farmers improve efficiency, animal management, and farm profitability.
Smarter Sheep Handling for Modern Farming
The Studmaster Sheep Handling and Drafting System is a high-throughput sheep handling solution designed to simplify the management of sheep flocks while reducing labour requirements and animal stress.
Built from lightweight yet durable aluminium, the system features a smooth-flow design that allows sheep to move efficiently through the handling process. According to Willie Kruger, the system is specifically designed to be operated by a single person, making it highly practical for both commercial and developing livestock operations.
One of the system’s key features is its three-way drafting capability, with three exit gates allowing animals to be sorted quickly and accurately based on different management requirements such as weight, age, breeding status, or health condition.
Advanced Livestock Data at Farmers’ Fingertips
Integrated into the system is the advanced Tru-Test XR5000 Scale Indicator — a powerful livestock data management tool that functions as a complete digital livestock recording system.
The XR5000 can:
- Read animal weights instantly
- Identify animals electronically
- Store age and animal records
- Track vaccination history
- Maintain records for up to one million animals
Kruger described the XR5000 as “a big computer on its own,” highlighting its ability to provide farmers with real-time livestock information directly during handling operations.
This level of digital integration allows farmers to make faster and more informed management decisions while improving traceability and flock performance monitoring.
Improving Efficiency and Animal Performance
Modern livestock producers are increasingly adopting precision farming technologies to improve productivity and profitability, and systems like the Studmaster Sheep Handling and Drafting System are becoming essential tools in the process.
The advantages for farmers include:
- Reduced labour costs through single-person operation
- Faster handling and drafting of animals
- Improved animal welfare through low-stress movement
- Accurate weight monitoring for feeding and breeding decisions
- Better vaccination and health record management
- Improved flock uniformity and productivity
- Easier compliance with traceability and animal health standards
By automating data collection and animal sorting, farmers can focus more on improving flock performance while reducing handling time and operational inefficiencies.
Positive Response at NAMPO 2026
According to Kruger, the response to the Datamars Livestock showcase at NAMPO Harvest Day 2026 was highly encouraging, with strong interest from farmers and livestock producers across the region.
He expressed confidence that the exposure at NAMPO would lead to increased sales and growing adoption of smart livestock management technologies throughout Southern Africa.
As the agricultural sector continues embracing digital transformation, solutions such as the Studmaster Sheep Handling and Drafting System are helping livestock farmers move toward more efficient, data-driven, and sustainable farming operations.