LAE, Wednesday, 9 April 2025 — After decades of neglect and decline, Papua New Guinea’s livestock industry is being brought back to life through a sweeping revitalisation programme spearheaded by the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC) under the leadership of Managing Director Mr Terry Koim.
Delivering a spirited and wide-ranging presentation at the National Agriculture Industry Public–Private Sector Partnership Conference in Lae, Mr Koim outlined LDC’s progress over the last four years — charting a course from institutional collapse to renewed state investment, strategic reform, and fresh partnerships with provinces, districts and the private sector.
“For many years, livestock in Papua New Guinea was considered dead,” Mr Koim told the gathering of farmers, stakeholders, and government officials. “But if it weren’t for our smallholder farmers and private sector partners who held the fort, the industry would have completely disappeared. Now, under the direction of the Marape Government, we are bringing it back.”
A Legacy in Ruins, Now Reclaimed
Established in 1982 under the leadership of founding father Grand Chief Sir Michael Somare, the LDC once operated extensive ranches, breeding centres, and abattoirs across the country. However, by 1992, mismanagement and political interference had forced most operations to close. By 2014, LDC existed in name only, with its assets abandoned and its lands overtaken by settlers.
Upon his appointment in 2020, Mr Koim received a directive from Prime Minister Hon. James Marape to take stock of all remaining state-owned livestock assets.
“I had no court order — just a letter from the Prime Minister,” Mr Koim said. “I travelled across the country to visit rundown assets. Generations had been born and raised on these properties. It was heartbreaking, but someone had to reclaim what was lost.”
That effort led to the recovery of key properties including Zuguru Ranch in Eastern Highlands, Baiyer Ranch in Western Highlands, and Wariman in East Sepik. In total, LDC has now reclaimed more than 30,000 hectares of state lease land previously under threat.
Restoring Trust, Building for the Future
Under Mr Koim’s leadership, the LDC has been restructured, with a new board, new internal financial management systems (IFMS), and compliance mechanisms ensuring transparent reporting to the Department of Agriculture, Treasury, and the Prime Minister’s Office.
Despite these reforms, Mr Koim acknowledged that the Corporation has yet to receive its promised K20 million allocation for 2024.
“Budget figures on paper are one thing — receiving funds is another,” he said. “We are committed to supporting farmers, but without actual disbursement, implementation is limited. Still, we are doing all we can with what we have.”
The Corporation has now developed a national livestock development plan aligned with the Medium-Term Development Plan IV (MTDP IV), focusing not just on cattle but also pigs, goats, poultry, and other species.
Supporting the Unsung Heroes: Smallholder Farmers
Mr Koim devoted much of his presentation to the smallholder farmers who have kept the livestock sector alive through sheer perseverance. In particular, he highlighted the struggles of cattle farmers in Tewai-Siassi, Morobe Province, who for more than 50 years have herded cattle across treacherous terrain and even loaded animals onto small dinghies to reach markets in Lae.
“By the time they arrived in Lae, the cattle were emaciated,” he recalled. “Highlanders would look at the animals and say, ‘Your cow looks like my dog at home — I’ll pay you the price of a dog.’ This is the indignity our farmers have suffered.”
In response, LDC — in partnership with the local MP and Minister for Housing, Hon. Dr Kobby Bomareo — has established a livestock buying point and jetty in Siassi. The first cattle shipments to Launakalana in Central Province have already taken place.
Open for Investment: Land, Infrastructure and Opportunity
LDC is now actively seeking partnerships with credible private sector investors to establish processing plants, feed mills and breeding facilities on the reclaimed land. Mr Koim said that unlike in previous years, titles are now secured, giving LDC confidence to negotiate investment agreements.
“I did not make decisions before because I lacked legal title,” he admitted. “But now, we are ready. If you’re looking for land to invest in livestock, talk to us.”
In addition to domestic partnerships, LDC has signed memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with international partners, including Australian cattle exporters such as Bob Stock and the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council. Talks are also under way with universities to support student training, research, and innovation.
Reviving Infrastructure, Rebuilding Capacity
Across the country, LDC has begun rebuilding critical infrastructure — perimeter fencing, water systems, staff housing and yards — often with solar-powered equipment to ensure sustainability. In Baiyer Ranch, 1,000 hectares have been set aside for a major rice-livestock integrated farming initiative in partnership with the Rice and Grain Development Agency.
Koim also shared examples of solar-powered boreholes providing clean drinking water for livestock, as well as investments in tractors and farm implements to support large-scale production.
“Clean cattle mean healthy meat. When the quality improves, so must the price,” he said.
Challenges Ahead: Policy, Data and Legislation
Despite the progress, Mr Koim underscored the urgent need for a comprehensive livestock policy and the establishment of a National Livestock Regulatory Authority to standardise quality, provide extension services, and generate reliable data.
“Right now, no one knows how many cattle we have in Papua New Guinea. In Queensland, there are ten million cattle and three million people. In PNG, we’re guessing,” he said. “That has to change.”
The draft policy, developed by LDC in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, will undergo nationwide consultations before legislation is brought to Parliament.
Feeding a Growing Nation
With PNG’s population growing rapidly, the demand for meat and livestock products continues to rise. Currently, PNG spends more than K900 million annually on imported meat.
“We’re not ready to export yet — not until we can feed our own people affordably and sustainably,” Mr Koim said. “But with strategic partnerships and local investment, we can cut imports and build food security.”
A Message of Hope
Closing his presentation, Mr Koim likened the LDC’s journey to that of a patient who had been left for dead.
“Don’t tell me to fly until I’ve started running,” he said. “We’ve been crawling, now we’re walking — and soon we will run.”