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In January 2017 the Karoo entered a 58-month drought that destroyed 30% of livestock in the region. Grazing declined by 40-60%, but recovered within two years after the rains returned. Feeding costs ate into profits and real net farm income tracked SPI-12 closely on the way down. While grazing capacity recovered, livestock numbers have not, and financial data must still be collected before financial recovery can be assessed. The government provided adequate drought relief but too little technical support, and limited data collection undermines our ability to evaluate and improve adaptation going forward.