Namibia’s total cattle marketing increased by 32.48% year-on-year to 29,389 head in August 2026, driven largely by a sharp increase in live cattle exports, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB).
The September 2026 Beef & Pork Market Watch shows that cattle marketing increased from 22,184 head in August 2025, although volumes declined by 4.12% from 30,653 head recorded in July 2026.
Live cattle exports rose by 77.55% year-on-year and 11.78% month-on-month to 14,541 head, accounting for 49.48% of all cattle marketed during August.
“Total cattle marketing increased by 32.48% y/y, from 22,184 head in August 2025 to 29,389 head in August 2026, despite declining by 4.12% m/m from 30,653 head in July 2026. The annual increase was primarily driven by live cattle exports, which rose by 77.55% y/y and 11.78% m/m to 14,541 head,” the LLPB said.
South Africa remained the main destination for Namibia’s live cattle exports, receiving 14,499 head, equivalent to 99.71% of total live exports.
Weaners accounted for 96.96% of the cattle exported to South Africa, while calves accounted for 2.75%. A further 42 breeding cattle were exported to Zimbabwe.
A-class export abattoir slaughter increased by 28.13% year-on-year to 12,544 head but declined by 19.51% from July. B&C class abattoir throughput fell by 45.20% year-on-year to 2,304 head, despite increasing by 11.84% month-on-month.
“A-class export abattoir slaughter increased by 28.13% y/y, but declined by 19.51% m/m to 12,544 head, while B&C class abattoir throughput declined by 45.20% y/y, despite increasing by 11.84% m/m, to 2,304 head,” the report said.
Producer prices also remained relatively strong during the month, with Namibia’s B2 producer price increasing by 10.25% year-on-year and 0.54% month-on-month to N$78.30 per kilogram.
The all-grade carcass price increased by 2.93% year-on-year to N$72.06/kg.
The LLPB attributed the favourable regional market for Namibian weaners partly to improved feedlot profitability in South Africa, supported by relatively low yellow-maize prices.
“According to the Red Meat Producers Organization (RPO), South African weaner prices reached approximately R48.56/kg towards the end of July, 32.0% higher y/y, while improved feedlot profitability, supported by relatively low yellow-maize prices, provided a favorable regional market environment for Namibian weaners,” the report said.
Despite the strong annual performance in August, the LLPB expects cattle marketing to moderate in September, forecasting total marketing of about 25,810 head, including 11,864 live exports.
Producer prices are expected to remain relatively stable, with the B2 price forecast at N$78.60/kg and the weaner auction price at N$31.80/kg.
