Small stock industry at low point

The Namibian small stock industry is currently at a low point, with high input costs, low producer prices, marketing challenges and the ongoing drought paralysing farmers. These and other frustrations and concerns required the management of the Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO) to visit its members in respective small stock farming areas recently. The aim of this visit was to thoroughly reflect on what the biggest challenges are and what solutions can take the industry forward, the organisation said.According to the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU), an analysis carried out by the LPO showed that the average production costs for small stock producers have increased by 60% from December 2017 to date. In contrast, producer prices only increased by a mere 5%. “It is therefore clear why the small stock industry is under pressure, not even mentioning the other factors such as droughts which additionally play a role,” the NAU said. The union added that small stock exports to South Africa were also discussed during the meetings and it was put in context how the Namibian product fits into the South African market. Currently, the Namibian product only makes up about 5% of the South African market. “South African livestock producers believe that Namibian sheep negatively affect their livestock prices. It is important to address this misconception,” the NAU said. It further highlighted that an interactive discussion session took place, allowing attendees to share their challenges and propose potential solutions. “The meetings were filled with energy. The solutions varied from area to area, but the one consistent need that came across at all the meetings is that sheep producers want more control over their product.”The NAU said more detailed feedback on the solutions and actions going forward for the small livestock industry will be discussed during a regional meeting between the union and the LPO at Keetmanshoop on 2 October.

Small stock industry at low point

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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Small stock industry at low point

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Namibian Sun 2025-04-03

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