Animal auctions surged during the third quarter of 2024 with 106,731 animals sold, a 14.9% increase from the previous year’s 92,881, according to recent data from the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA).
According to the NSA’s Agriculture and Fishing Indicators statistical bulletin, during the third quarter of 2024, cattle auctions accounted for 76,953 heads, while goat and sheep auctions saw 18,206 and 11,572 heads, respectively.
The figures represent a notable increase in the goat population, which surged compared to previous quarters.
“The total number of animals auctioned in the third quarter of 2024 was 106,731, an increase of 14.9 per cent compared to 92,881 animals auctioned in the corresponding quarter of 2023,†the NSA bulletin read.
NSA said the number of animals auctioned has varied throughout 2023 and 2024.
In Q3 2023, 72,339 cattle, 14,988 goats, and 5,554 sheep were auctioned, bringing the total to 92,881. This total decreased in Q4 2023 to 82,884, with 50,091 cattle, 24,070 goats, and 8,723 sheep sold.
The first quarter of 2024 recovered, with 81,516 cattle, 14,544 goats, and 13,723 sheep auctioned, bringing the total to 109,783 animals.
The second quarter of 2024 saw another jump, with the total reaching 139,093, driven by the rise in cattle numbers to 100,997, alongside 18,900 goats and 18,196 sheep.
“By Q3 2024, while cattle numbers decreased to 76,953, the goat population experienced a remarkable increase, reaching 138,093, contributing to the overall growth. The sheep count remained stable at 18,206,†the bulletin read.
In terms of pricing, average weighted auction prices per kilogram (N$) saw an upward trend across all livestock types in Q3 2024.
Cattle prices averaged N$31.76 per kilogram, up from N$28.76 in Q2 2024 and N$27.55 in Q3 2023. Goat prices also increased, averaging N$27.45 per kilogram in Q3 2024, compared to N$24.99 in Q2 2024.
Sheep prices experienced a steady rise, reaching an average of N$30.57 per kilogram in Q3 2024, up from N$27.74 in Q2 2024 and N$30.14 in Q3 2023.
