NAMIBIA RED MEAT INDUSTRY KICKS THE YEAR OFF ON A HIGH
The first month of the year started on a good note for the Namibian red meat industry with overall marketing activities recording an increase.
As far as the cattle sector is concerned, 20 398 cattle were marketed during the first month of the year. This brings the growth of the cattle sector up by 17.1% from 17 419 heads marketed during January 2023. Of this total, 70.9% were exported live on hoof to neighbouring member states, 24.9% were slaughtered at local A-class abattoirs and 4.2% were slaughtered at various Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia-approved B & C class abattoirs.
The growth in the sector activity is owed to increased exports of weaners to South Africa, predominantly as a result of an expected better grain harvest that will help feeding margins.
The sheep sector recorded a growth of 31.6% led by live exports and slaughtering at A-class abattoirs, year-on-year. Live exports particularly to the South African market expanded by 64.1% growing from 16 085 heads in 2023 to 26 399 heads in 2024. In addition, slaughter activities at export-approved abattoirs grew by 98.5% in January 2024.
Source : Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia