Konfarm
The Kornfarm Livestock Station in Jiwaka Province, is located on the Jiwaka side of the Waghi river sharing the border with the Highlands Agriculture College. In its hay days, Kornfarm had the only abattoir that served the cattle farmers in the central highlands provinces of Southern Highlands, Enga, Western Highlands, Jiwaka and Simbu. Its closure in the early 90s led to the rapid demise of the beef cattle industry.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC), involves reclaiming state land previously used for livestock and abattoirs, which had been lost to settlers and squatters. The Konfarm Livestock Station , specifically, will soon be redeveloped with modern facilities to serve the Upper Highlands provinces to process their livestock.
Mr. Benjamin Samson (right) Secretary for Lands and Physical Planning, hands over the title for the reclaimed Kornfarm Livestock Station to the Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Minister Hon. John Simon in the presence of LDC Board Chairman Mr. Martin Ginyaru and Managing Director Mr. Terry Koim at Highlands Agriculture College outside Mt. Hagen. This is the first of many titles to be given to LDC under the Government’s State Land Reclamation Project as directed by the Prime Minister.
The Marape-Rosso Government has elevated livestock revitalisation as a national priority, aiming to boost domestic meat production, reduce imports, and eventually build capacity for exports. A key component of this agenda is the State Land Reclamation Project, led by the Livestock Development Corporation (LDC), which focuses on restoring previously neglected livestock properties such as the Kornfarm abattoir site and preparing them for modern industry use.
As part of the redevelopment, plans are in place to construct a new abattoir equipped with advanced processing technology. This facility will act as a central buying point for local livestock farmers, helping to create reliable market access, strengthen supply chains, and stimulate greater participation in livestock production.
Community involvement remains essential, with LDC working closely with landowners and local stakeholders to ensure collaboration and shared benefits. The project is expected to generate employment, promote economic activity, and rebuild confidence in Papua New Guinea’s livestock sector, making it a vital catalyst for rural development and long-term national growth.