Cattle marketing experiences first decline

The livestock sector witnessed declines across all major livestock subsectors year-on-year, except for the pig sector during August.The Livestock and Livestock Product Board (LLPB) said for the first time this year, overall cattle marketing saw a decline due to reduced activity at both export-approved and local abattoirs, as well as in live exports.It said year-on-year total marketing dropped by 17.3%, with a month-on-month decline of 16.4%.“This brings the total year-to-date total to 278 195 cattle marketed in 2024 compared to 210 807 marketed during the same period in 2023.”Cattle exports fell by 24.3%, driven by a 26.8% decrease in exports to South Africa in August. Moreover, year-on-year, weaner producer prices south of the veterinary cordon fence (VCF) declined by 11.2%, averaging N$24.01/kg in August compared to N$27.04/kg in 2023. Furthermore, the beef all-grade producer carcass price south of the VCF dropped to N$56.44/kg in August, from N$61.10/kg recorded in August 2023, consequently bringing the year-to-date B2 carcass price to N$60.23/kg by the end of August 2024.Meanwhile, north of the VCF, the tolly producer price averaged N$22.17/kg in August, N$1.28/kg lower than August 2023.Small livestockThe sheep sector recorded a decline in marketing numbers during the period, with 48 232 sheep marketed in August, 26.5% lower than the 65 651 sheep marketed during the same period last year. According to the LLPB, the year-to-date marketing total stood at 647 741 by the end of August.“Slaughtering activities at both export-approved and local abattoirs dropped during August 2024, recording a combined decline of 54.2%.”Lamb producer prices remained relatively stable during August.LLPB said year-on-year, lamb and mutton exports declined by 17.3% during August compared to the same period last year.Activities within the goat sector recorded a decline year-on-year, with 13 825 goats marketed in August, while year-to-date marketing totalled 90 870 goats by the end of August, marking a 0.9% decline.Goat lamb prices year-to-date averaged N$30.48/kg by the end of August.Pork sectorThe LLPB said pig slaughtering for the period under review totalled 4 171 pigs, a 13.2% growth in comparison to a slaughter quantity of 3 686 pigs during the same period last year.A total of 724 174 kg of pork was imported during August to complement local production.Of the imported pork, 65.2% originated from Germany, followed by South Africa, Spain and Belgium with a market share of 20.5%, 8.1% and 3.6%, respectively.

Cattle marketing experiences first decline

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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Cattle marketing experiences first decline

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-21

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