The Red Meat Producers' Organization (RPO) in the Western Cape has welcomed Nico Uys as its new chairman, successor to Louis Wessels, who led the organization through challenging times during the Covid-19 pandemic. Wessels highlighted the resilience of the red meat industry, with price increases for beef and mutton despite drought conditions and sheep slaughter numbers being down due to herd-building and losses from stock theft and predation. The industry has potential for growth in beef and live mutton exports, supported by the high quality of South African beef and positive market demand. The RPO is enthusiastic about the potential of live cattle exports for mutton production and the increased demand for storage lambs, despite ongoing drought impacts on production capacity in drought-stricken areas. For more information, the RPO can be contacted at 012 349 1102 or rpo@lantic.net.