In January, livestock marketing experienced a severe decline across all sectors, with a 49.1% reduction in cattle marketing and sharp drops in live exports and slaughter rates. The sheep sector noted a 65.1% decrease, while the goat and pig sectors also faced declines. Poultry and dairy sectors experienced import activities amidst overall market challenges.
In January, livestock marketing activities witnessed a significant decline across all sectors, as reported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB). According to Fransina Angula, LLPB’s Trade and Marketing Statistician, a total of 11,797 cattle were marketed, representing a 49.1% decrease from the 23,166 cattle marketed during the same period last year.
The most substantial decline was observed in live exports, which fell by 68.2%, while B&C class abattoirs also recorded a considerable drop in throughput, declining by 56%. Angula noted that the average carcass price for S-VCF beef increased to N$64.01/kg, and the average producer price for s-VCF B2 reached N$70.20/kg. Additionally, domestic weaner prices showed progress, averaging N$28.59/kg.
The sheep sector saw an alarming 65.1% decrease in January, with live exports down by 52.4%, totaling 12,571 heads. Slaughtering at both export-approved and local abattoirs declined dramatically by 90.8%. The reduction in throughput at export-approved facilities significantly limited mutton production, leading to only 272 kg exported to South Africa and Botswana.
In the goat sector, numbers marketed decreased by 34.9%, yielding 4,515 goats compared to 6,932 from the previous year. The auction price for lamb averaged N$42.31/kg. Additionally, the pig sector experienced a slight 2% decline, marketing 4,222 pigs at LLPBN approved abattoirs. Pork imports stood at 594,330 kg, primarily coming from Germany, South Africa, and Spain.
The poultry sector slaughtered 1,171,897 chickens and imported 996 day-old chicks for breeding. The average producer price for medium-sized eggs was recorded at N$3.74. Processed chicken exports reached 399,294 kg, while imports totaled 2,368,150 kg, predominantly from Poland, with additional contributions from other countries, including South Africa and Argentina.
The dairy sector imported 596,179 liters of milk and 1,618,893 kg of various products, mainly from South Africa, the European Union, and Australia. During the same period, 56,590 hides were exported to South Africa, and imports of wet blue hides from South Africa totalled 33,201 pieces.
This report highlights the significant downturn in livestock marketing activities observed in January, particularly across all sectors, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and poultry. The drastic declines in livestock numbers marketed, especially in live exports, are concerning and suggest broader implications for the industry. Additionally, fluctuations in prices for various meat and dairy products may reflect changing market conditions and demand dynamics.
Original Source: economist.com.na
