Namibia’s cattle market recorded a solid increase in February 2026, with total throughput rising 10.11% year-on-year to 17,772 head, up from 16,140 in the same month last year, according to the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB).
The board attributed the growth to improving herd numbers and firmer producer confidence amid favourable market conditions.
Live exports emerged as the main driver of the increase, surging 34.08% compared to February 2025. South Africa remained the sole export destination, accounting for 100% of live cattle shipments during the period. Nearly all exports, 99.98%, were directed to feedlots, with negligible volumes going to breeding and slaughter markets.
“Total marketing of cattle increased by 10.11% on a year-on-year basis, from 16,140 cattle marketed during February 2025 to 17,772 in February 2026. Year-on-year, live exports were 34.08% higher than observed during February 2025. South Africa accounted for 100% of total live exports during the review period,” the LLPB said.
Price trends were mixed, with strong annual gains offset by short-term declines linked to seasonal factors. South of the Cordon Veterinary Fence, weaner auction prices rose 11.78% year-on-year to N$31.59 per kilogram, compared to N$28.26 a year earlier. However, prices fell 9.51% month-on-month from N$34.91/kg recorded in January.
The LLPB expects a modest recovery, forecasting weaner prices to reach N$32.10/kg in March.
North of the veterinary fence, tollie auction prices averaged N$24.06/kg, while slaughter oxen prices declined 4.50% month-on-month to N$37.32/kg. Prices are projected to edge up slightly to N$37.80/kg in March.
“Weaner auction prices south of the CVF increased by 11.78% from N$28.26/kg in February 2025 to N$31.59/kg during February 2026, and decreased by 9.51% on a month-on-month basis,” the board said.
Despite the upward movement in cattle prices, margins remain under pressure. The weaner-to-B2 price ratio stood at 39.47%, well below the industry benchmark of 64%, indicating weaker relative returns for producers.
The B2 Namibia carcass price settled at N$80.04/kg in February, up 11.90% year-on-year, although it declined 3.02% from January levels. The all-grade carcass price increased 2.15% month-on-month to N$74.12/kg and is expected to reach N$74.37/kg in March.
Meanwhile, B2 (RMAA) prices fell 7.53% month-on-month to N$57.62/kg but remained 16.43% higher than in February 2025.
Across grading categories, annual price gains were broad-based, supported by constrained supply and ongoing herd rebuilding. Class AB posted the strongest year-on-year increase at 12.95%, followed by Class B at 11.02%, Class C at 9.01%, and Class A at 6.25%.
Month-on-month performance was more uneven, with Class A prices declining 9.09%, while Classes B, AB and C recorded increases ranging between 1.56% and 5.35%.
