Cattle marketed for slaughter dip by 33% in July

Namibia’s beef subsector marketed 7,374 cattle for slaughter in July 2022, a 33% decline from 11,072 cattle sold for the same purpose prior year, latest statistics shared by Agribank show. 

At the same time, a total of 22,967 cattle were traded for various reasons in July 2022, which translates to a 8% decline from 25,090 marketed in 2021. 

According to the agriculture-focused bank, weaner exports continue to dominate, increasing by 14% to 15,272 from 13, 448 in the prior year. 

“This can be attributed to higher weaner demand and prices in South Africa. Cattle inventory across the globe remain below pre- Covid-19 levels, while demand for livestock products (wool and beef) have increased. South Africa is no exception, thus the prices for livestock have increased, prompting more weaner exports from Namibia,” Agribank said in its monthly market watch for August. 

The report stated that the outlook of cattle farmers remains a mixed bag with cattle prices in 2022 higher compared to 2021, while on the other hand input expenses are rising.

“With farmers facing increases in both feed and non-feed input costs, it remains questionable as to whether cattle price increases are enough to offset high production cost,” states the report. 

Although there are increases in beef exports to existing markets, the Bank said new markets are opening up, resulting in a 100% increase in the beef export to 6,623,651 kilograms.

Reporting on the small livestock, Agribank expects an increase in sheep slaughter numbers as the Farmers Meat Market abattoir in Mariental reopens in September 2022. 

This comes as a 100% growth is recorded in total sheep marketed, recording 53,014 in July 2022 from 26,477 in July 2021 due to farmers’ herd-building following the prolonged drought. 

“Live sheep exports to South Africa stood at 42,273 sheep in July 2022 from 26,273 in the prior year. Local sheep slaughtering recorded a 10% increase to 10,197 in July 2022 from 9,284 in July 2021,” Agribank reports. 

Meanwhile, the goats industry does not fall far behind with a double digit growth observed, recording a 103% increase to 15,628 in July 2022 from 7,700 in July 2021. 

The sector performance is attributed to high numbers of live exports to South Africa for a better price.

 

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