Significant Decline in Livestock Marketing Activity Observed in January

Significant declines in livestock marketing occurred in January across all sectors. Cattle marketing dropped by 49.1% with live exports plummeting by 68.2%. Sheep and goat sectors also saw considerable declines while average prices for some products increased. Overall, the livestock market faced considerable adversities during this period according to the LLPB report.

In January, livestock marketing activities saw a considerable decline across all sectors, based on a report by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB). Fransina Angula, LLPB’s Trade and Marketing Statistician, indicated that only 11,797 cattle were marketed in January, marking a 49.1% drop from last year’s 23,166 cattle.

The most significant reduction occurred in live exports, which fell by 68.2%. Furthermore, the throughput at B&C class abattoirs reduced substantially, with a 56% decline. Despite the decrease in marketing volume, the average carcass price for S-VCF beef rose by N$64.01/kg, while s-VCF B2 producer prices averaged N$70.20/kg, and domestic weaner prices were noted at N$28.59/kg.

The sheep sector faced a severe 65.1% decline in January, as live exports fell by 52.4%, totaling 12,571 heads. Slaughtering at both export-approved and local abattoirs drastically diminished by 90.8%, focusing primarily on local demand. The average A2 producer price for Namibian sheep was N$90.41/kg, while the Northern Cape benchmark price averaged N$89.75/kg.

The goat sector observed a year-on-year decline of 34.9%, with 4,515 goats marketed in January compared to 6,932 last year. The average lamb auction price was noted at N$42.31/kg. Meanwhile, the pig sector recorded a 2% decrease, marketing 4,222 pigs at LLPBN approved abattoirs.

Pork imports totaled 594,330 kg, predominantly from Germany (54.8%), with additional contributions from South Africa and Spain. In January, the poultry sector slaughtered 1,171,897 live chickens, importing 996 day-old chicks. The average price of a medium-sized egg was N$3.74.

Processed chicken exports reached 399,294 kg, flowing mainly to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. Imports stood at 2,368,150 kg, predominantly from Poland (69.4%) and South Africa, among others. The dairy sector imported 596,179 liters of milk and 1,618,893 kg of dairy products, primarily sourced from South Africa, the EU, and Australia, while managing limited hide exports and imports.

In summary, January witnessed significant downturns across all livestock marketing sectors, particularly in cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs. Despite declining marketing figures, certain average prices saw increases. The report highlights the challenges faced by livestock producers in the domestic market, suggesting a need for reassessment and strategy to stabilize the livestock economy.

Original Source: economist.com.na