Significant Decline in Livestock Marketing Reported for January
In January, livestock marketing declined significantly across all sectors, with cattle marketing down 49.1% year-on-year. Sheep and goat sectors also observed substantial decreases, while pork and poultry import volumes remained high. Despite some price increases, the overall market performance indicates pressing challenges for local producers.
In January, livestock marketing saw a marked decline across all sectors, as reported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB). Fransina Angula, the LLPB’s Trade and Marketing Statistician, indicated that only 11,797 cattle were marketed, representing a notable 49.1% decrease from last year’s 23,166.
Live exports faced the most severe drop, plummeting by 68.2%. Additionally, throughput at B&C class abattoirs dropped significantly by 56%. Though prices for S-VCF beef increased, with an average carcass price of N$64.01 per kilogram, this did not mitigate the overall decline. The domestic weaner price also experienced an increase to N$28.59/kg.
The sheep sector suffered a 65.1% decline, with live exports decreasing by 52.4% to 12,571 heads. Slaughtering at both export-approved and local abattoirs fell by 90.8%, as most sheep production was focused on domestic markets. Namibian A2 producer prices averaged N$90.41/kg, while mutton production remained low, leading to a mere 272 kg exported to South Africa and Botswana.
In the goat sector, a 34.9% year-on-year decline was reported, with only 4,515 goats marketed compared to 6,932 last year. The average lamb auction price for January was N$42.31/kg, indicating weaker market conditions. The pig sector also reported a slight 2% decline, with 4,222 marketed at LLPBN approved abattoirs.
Pork imports totaled 594,330 kg, primarily sourced from Germany, South Africa, and Spain. The poultry sector saw substantial activity, with 1,171,897 live chickens slaughtered and 996 day-old chicks imported for breeding. Average producer prices for medium-sized eggs stood at N$3.74.
Processed chicken exports reached 399,294 kg to South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe, while imports totaled 2,368,150 kg, with the majority coming from Poland. Meanwhile, the dairy sector imported 596,179 liters of milk while exporting 56,590 pieces of hides to South Africa. Additionally, 33,201 pieces of wet blue hides were imported during this time.
The livestock marketing decline in January reflects a broader trend affecting all sectors, marked by significant decreases in cattle, sheep, goat, and pig marketing. Despite some marginal price increases for specific products, overall performance suggests challenges for local producers. The diverse factors contributing to reduced throughput and export levels indicate a pressing need for strategies to revitalize the sector. The significant imports further highlight reliance on external markets for livestock products.
Original Source: economist.com.na
