Namibia’s leading livestock producers have been recognised by the Meat Corporation of Namibia (Meatco) for supplying the high-quality cattle that underpin the country’s premium beef industry and export competitiveness.
At the 2025 Producer of the Year Awards held in Windhoek, Meatco honoured 10 producers across commercial, emerging commercial and communal farming categories for consistently delivering livestock that meets the company’s stringent procurement standards.
The awards recognise producers whose cattle meet requirements for conformation, fat grade and age, while acknowledging farmers who continue producing premium-quality beef despite Namibia’s challenging semi-arid climate.
Johannes Esterhuizen was named Commercial Producer of the Year and received the top prize of N$30,000, while Jacobus de Klerk was runner-up with N$12,000.
Hallie Investment No. 573 CC, represented by Salomo Hei, won the Emerging Commercial Producer of the Year award.
Communal producer awards went to Robert Hauwanga (NCA Rundu), Mutesi Albert Ngangami (NCA Katima Mulilo) and Liyemo Mbangweta (South of the Veterinary Cordon Fence), with each receiving N$18,000.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Meatco Interim Chief Executive Officer Albertus Aochamub said the country’s beef industry depends on producers who consistently deliver livestock capable of meeting the expectations of premium international markets.
“Our livestock producers are the backbone of Namibia’s beef industry and the foundation of Meatco’s success. Their commitment to quality, consistency and sustainable production enables Namibia to maintain its reputation as a trusted supplier of premium beef to the world,” he said.
FeedMaster Namibia sponsored the Commercial Producer of the Year category with N$42,000, while the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia, Bank Windhoek and Meatco each contributed N$30,000 towards the remaining categories.
Meatco said the awards highlight the importance of rewarding production excellence as Namibia seeks to strengthen its premium beef value chain, improve export competitiveness and ensure the long-term sustainability of the livestock sector.
