Namibia sold a total of 56,163 sheep in March 2022, a 74% increase from the 32,243 in February 2022, mainly driven by live sheep exports to South Africa, latest statistics from Agribank show.
According to the agriculture-focused bank, a total of 9,401 goats were marketed in March 2022, a 29% increase from the prior month.
The marketing in this sector is traditionally dominated by live exports to the Kwazulu-Natal province in South Africa, as local abattoirs are not offering competitive prices.
The report noted improved Cattle Marketing Numbers, “the total number of cattle marketed in March 2022 was 17,493, a slight decrease of 1% from 17,711 recorded in February 2022.”
Additionally, part of the report reads that, “Beef prices per kg averaged at N$60.3 for the 1Q2022. World beef prices are expected to remain on an upward trajectory for the rest of the year, on the back of high input costs and low supply amidst the robust demand from China.”
Thus, higher livestock marketing and increased livestock prices is favourable for farmers in returning to profitable margins.
In addition, better grazing conditions spur hope for low feeding cost during the restocking period. Farmers are thus encouraged to honour their repayment obligations during the periods of positive cashflow, says the bank.
Agribank said, rains received to date did not normalise the situation in Omusati, Oshana and western Ohangwena region therefore, the risk of crop failure and water availability remains a major Concern.
This comes as the anticipated rainfall for January to March 2022, was finally received in most parts of the country, recording two to three times more than the usual amount.
Consequently, Vegetation growth is above average in most parts of the country by the end of March 2022.
However, the Agribank noted that vegetation “remains below average in the north-eastern regions as a result of the long-term drought situation and poor rainfall, measures and solutions need to be put in place to support farmers in these regions.”
In terms of local production of horticulture crops in March, the prices for Vegetables decreased to 4.6% in March 2021 from 7.3% recorded in the same period in 2021.
Based on findings of the report the slowdown resulted from decreases observed in Cabbage, Sweet Potatoes, Cucumber and Spinach, due to sufficient local supply.
