In January, livestock marketing suffered a 49.1% decline, with cattle marketing dropping to 11,797. Live exports saw a sharp decrease of 68.2%, while sheep and goat sectors also recorded significant declines. Despite reduced marketing, certain livestock prices increased. The poultry and dairy sectors reported various trends in imports and exports, reflecting the industry’s challenges and dynamics.
In January, livestock marketing activities descended significantly, with notable declines across all sectors, as reported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB). Fransina Angula, the Trade and Marketing Statistician of LLPB, indicated that a total of 11,797 cattle were marketed, representing a 49.1% decrease from the 23,166 cattle marketed in January of the previous year.
The decline was most pronounced in the live exports category, which fell by 68.2%, while cattle throughput at B&C class abattoirs experienced a considerable drop of 56%. Despite lower marketing volumes, S-VCF beef all-grade average carcass prices increased by N$64.01 per kilogram. There were increases in several producer prices, including an average of N$70.20 per kilogram for s-VCF B2, domestic weaner price averaging N$28.59 per kilogram, and n-VCF tolly price averaging N$31.39 per kilogram.
The sheep sector witnessed a 65.1% decrease in activities, with live exports dropping to 12,571 heads—a 52.4% decline. Furthermore, slaughtering at export-approved and local abattoirs fell by 90.8%, mostly catering to domestic markets. Namibian A2 producer prices averaged N$90.41 per kilogram, while the Northern Cape equivalent, benchmarking for Namibian producers, averaged N$89.75 per kilogram. Mutton production remained low with only 272 kilograms processed for export.
In the goat sector, a decrease of 34.9% year-on-year was recorded, with only 4,515 goats marketed compared to 6,932 during the same period last year. The average lamb auction price was N$42.31 per kilogram in January. Likewise, the pig sector saw a 2% decline, with 4,222 pigs marketed at LLPBN-approved abattoirs and pork imports standing at 594,330 kilograms.
The poultry sector reported the slaughtering of 1,171,897 live chickens and the importation of 996 day-old chicks for breeding. The average producer price for medium-sized eggs was recorded at N$3.74. Processed chicken products exported amounted to 399,294 kilograms, with significant imports totaling 2,368,150 kilograms, of which 69.4% came from Poland.
Lastly, the dairy sector imported 596,179 liters of milk and 1,618,893 kilograms of dairy products, primarily from South Africa, the European Union, and Australia. Conversely, 56,590 pieces of hides were exported, while 33,201 pieces of wet blue hides were imported from South Africa during this reporting period.
January saw a notable reduction in livestock marketing across multiple sectors, driven by decreased cattle, sheep, goat, pig, and poultry marketing activities. Despite lower volumes, certain producer prices in the beef segment showed increases. Both imports and exports within various livestock categories displayed distinct trends, which indicate the dynamic nature of the market amidst ongoing challenges. Continued monitoring and strategic interventions will be crucial for recovery and growth in the livestock sector.
Original Source: economist.com.na
