4TH MEAT CHRONICAL 2025

New branding strategy launched

As the risk of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Namibia increases, every role player in the livestock value chain has a duty to stay informed and actively contribute to maintaining the country’s disease-free status in the FMD-free zone. This is critical for meat exports and trade opportunities. The LLPBN conducted roadshows between 8 and 18 September in the ||Karas, Omaheke and Hardap Regions to raise awareness on FMD across the entire livestock value chain. The purpose of these sessions was to disseminate information and serve as a strategic platform where farmers and stakeholders can discuss the risk factors and potential consequences of an FMD outbreak. The role of producers, the rest of the value chain and the current control measures in place at border posts was also discussed. Awareness was raised through social media, radio, the LLPBN website and at the Noordoewer and Ariamsvlei border posts, where billboards were installed.

FMD awareness campaign and strategic meetings

EUDR: What does it mean for Namibia?

The regulation explained: The European Union (EU), which is a major trading partner for Namibia, has identified several products supplied to the EU which contribute to forest degradation globally. The identified products, which will have a direct impact on Namibia, are beef, cattle hides and charcoal. Identified products which will have an indirect impact on Namibia are soya (through animal feed). In short, the European Union Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) aims to reduce the contribution of the EU market to global forest degradation. It requires that countries supplying the identified products to the EU be deforestation-free. In other words, in the case of Namibia, the production of beef or charcoal should not contribute to deforestation or forest degradation. In addition, said products must be produced in accordance with the supplying country’s legislation.

Relevance for namibia: As indicated, Namibia is a supplier of two highrisk products, as identified by the EU. As a result, Namibia would have to comply with the provisions of the EUDR, which will be implemented as of 01 January 2027. Namibia currently has limited areas that fall under the definition of a “forest” as per the EUDR. However, the need to comply with local legislation means that even bush thinning for rangeland restoration or charcoal production must strictly adhere to regulations defined in the Forest Act (12 of 2001). Country risk profile: The EU has completed the country risk analysis and has categorised Namibia as standard risk. The implication is that 3% of consignments from Namibia reaching the EU will undergo an indepth audit to determine compliance. A phased approach will be followed to align Namibian beef production with the EUDR.

Category: Livestock Producers

IMPLEMENTED OCTOBER 2024

Producers delivering livestock to the export abattoir directly, must submit the Livestock Producer Deforestation-Free Declaration together with the DVS-EU Compliance Certificate to the abattoir operator when delivering cattle. The geolocation (coordinates) for the establishment from which the cattle were transported to the abattoir will be provided to the abattoir operator by the LLPBN. Producers outside Kunene South: Submit the MEFT Deforestation-Free Declaration Producers inside Kunene South: Apply for the MEFT Deforestation-Free Certificate. It must be submitted with the required documentation.

Please continue with this process

What producers have to do

Take note of the new requirement for entry into Namibia’s most important beef market.
Determine into which category (in terms of EUDR compliance) you fall (see decision tree below).
Follow instructions as and when published for Namibia to ensure compliance and maintain trader confidence.

Category: Livestock Suppliers

Phase 2a

IMPLEMENTATION DATE: 1 SEPT 2025

Livestock suppliers marketing cattle either to other producers or through auctions will be required to complete and submit the EUDR livestock supplier declaration. The geolocation (coordinates) for the establishment from which the cattle originate will be provided by the LLPBN. It will be based on the information provided in the declaration. Suppliers outside Kunene South: Submit the MEFT Deforestation-Free Declaration Suppliers inside Kunene South: Apply for the MEFT Deforestation-Free Certificate. It must be submitted with the required documentation.

The initial point for submission will be at the auction house on the day of cattle offloading and receiving by auctioneers. This collection of documentation started on 1 September 2025.

It is important to note that the requirements are regardless of whether production takes place in a commercial or communal setup.

Phase 2b

THE FINAL DATE FOR IMPLEMENTATION WILL BE ANNOUNCED

Expansion of the existing LLPBN producer database to make provision for the upload of producer-specific data. This data will be used to verify compliance with EUDR requirements and provide the necessary information to exporters to declare compliance for entry into the EU market. Provision will be made for online upload or hard copy submission.

Clear instructions will be developed and provided.

Way forward

For Namibia to be successful in meeting the deadline and provide the necessary evidence of compliance to the EUDR, a collaborative effort will be required. The LLPBN is in constant consultation to ensure Namibia complies and is committed to acting in the interest of the industry. The cattle industry is urged to remain calm but responsive to instructions.

Pork production projected to increase

Ace Mutelo Manager: Information Systems

Improvements in production technologies have led to increased global pork production, despite volatile prices over the past decade. Moderate growth is expected over the next several years, accompanied by price increases. However, countries like Namibia need to add more value locally to decrease dependency on imports.

Such is the opinion of Ace Mutelo, manager of information systems at the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), who gave a brief overview of the pork industry at the Pig Producers Association (PPA) information day on 13 August in Windhoek.

According to him, the volume of pork production in Namibia has increased since the introduction of the pork market share promotion scheme (PMSPS). The latest LLPBN market review shows that pork production has increased by 3,7% the past year.

Ace expressed his concern about the future of the pork sector because the scheme will come to an end in September 2028. “Joining the PPA and registering with the LLPBN means that farmers benefit from the pork ceiling price of N$51.03 per kg. We need more producers to register, especially small-scale farmers who often feel neglected or left to fend for themselves. It is critically important that the sector has a larger, united voice because we cannot predict what will happen after the scheme ends.”

In his presentation, Ace explained that there is a big gap between production costs for large-scale producers (N$42.61 per kg) and small-scale farmers (N$64.63 per kg). Adding a 20% production incentive, large-scale producers should be paid N$51.13 per kg to be profitable, while SME farmers should get N$77.55. Taking this into consideration, the LLPBN is suggesting a new ceiling price of N$52.93 per kg for registered pork producers.

“The Namibian pork price remains among the highest in the world. The profitability of farmers is, however, lower due to significant input costs for feed. A reduction in feed costs requires more competitive local production. Currently, the LLPBN cannot intervene because the raw materials used in animal feed production fall under the Namibian Agronomic Board, which focuses on food security for Namibia. Regulatory changes may be needed to make feed a controlled product, which will open production interventions for organisations such as the LLPBN.”

Although global pig and poultry meat production is projected to increase over the next decade, prices are expected to remain low, added Ace. “Beef and mutton prices are significantly higher and will continue to rise due to low production costs and a sufficient market demand.”

According to the 2024-2033 agricultural outlook, compiled by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), global demand for pork will increase. Pork consumption is predicted to rise from around 122 million tonnes to 131 million tonnes by 2033 – an annual growth rate of 0,5%. “Real prices are expected to be lower than nominal prices for all four meat commodities (pork, poultry, beef and mutton). This highlights the significant impact of economic stability (inflation) on producer profitability,” says Ace.

“The global meat demand is stable but will increase steadily between 2025 and 2033. Poultry meat is showing significant demand, followed by pork. Mutton is the lowest in demand. Improved pork and poultry production could provide Namibia with an opportunity to export these meat products.”

Pork production levels are projected to improve in Asia and Africa, along with all major meat categories except poultry. Regional variations will be driven by trade flows, consumer preferences and input costs, said Ace.

Quarterly review

In the recent LLPBN second quarter (Q2) review, registered pig abattoirs slaughtered a total of 13 077 heads, a 6,8% growth compared to 12 244 in the corresponding period last year. The pork market share remained in favour of imports due to increased consumer demand and Namibia’s inability to produce enough locally.

Excluding processed products, the local pork product market share increased from 35,8% to 52,28% during Q2 of 2025. Local pork production served 46,06% of Namibian consumption requirements, including processed pork. The average slaughter mass of pigs averaged 98,77 kg. The ceiling price remained fixed at N$51.03 per kg, while the benchmark Red Meat Abattoirs Association price in South Africa averaged N$32.47 per kg.

The pork market share has improved since 2011, both in local production and imports. Between January and June 2011, 656 tonnes were produced locally, and 1 299 tonnes were imported. In the corresponding 2025 period, 2 374 tonnes were produced locally, and 2 416 tonnes were imported. Imports are dominated by pork offal (51%) and processed meat (30%).

Food for thought

Ace asked the producers if the current pork market scheme is working in terms of local participation and how long farmers will be able to produce under protection from existing developments, such as the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA). “Pressure continues to mount on Namibia to open its marketing channels for both import and export. The directorate of veterinary services must look at B-class abattoirs and what needs to be done for them to export regionally.”

Livestock and meat industry

This article will review the performance of cattle, small stock and pork marketing. The review will cover and compare the third quarter (Q3) of 2025 with the corresponding 2024 period.

Cattle sector

Cattle marketing activities declined during the period under review. The drop in marketing was observed across all marketing channels.

Production and marketing

Year-to-date (YTD), 156 297 cattle were marketed across all marketing channels. This represents a decline of 50,3%, down from the 314 466 heads marketed in the same 2024 period.
YTD, 47 594 heads were exported live on the hoof to neighboring SADC member states. In total 74 814 heads were slaughtered at A-class abattoirs and 33 889 heads at various Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN)-registered B&C-class abattoirs nationwide.
B&C-class abattoirs slaughtered 33 889 heads of cattle during January and September 2025. Throughput at B&C-class abattoirs during the corresponding 2024 period stood at 46 531 heads of cattle, showing a decline of 27,17%.

From the total number of cattle marketed during Q3 of 2025, 36,9% were live exports, export abattoirs took up 49,95% while B&C-class abattoirs absorbed 13,15% of the total market share. The market share during Q3 of 2024 was 46,39% for live exports, A-class abattoirs was 41,24% and B&C-class abattoirs took up 12,37%.
During the review period, domestic weaner prices at auction reached higher levels.
The average weaner price south of the veterinary cordon fence (sVCF) increased to N$31.12 per kg during Q3 of 2025 from N$24.64 per kg recorded during the corresponding 2024 period.
The average tolly price north of the veterinary cordon fence (nVCF) was N$28.34 per kg. The highest and lowest prices of N$31.87 and N$21.57 per kg were recorded in September and July.
Year-to-year, the B2 producer carcass price increased by N$9.14 per kg and averaged N$69.90 per kg, relative to the N$60.76 paid to producers in 2024.
The Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA) came in N$13.06 per kg lower than its Namibian counterpart and averaged N$59.38 per kg from July to September 2025 compared to the N$45.34 per kg recorded in 2024.

Sheep sector

YTD, 423 174 sheep were marketed across all marketing channels. This represents a decline of 39,54%, down from the 699 968 heads marketed during Q3 of 2024.

Production and marketing

During Q3 of 2025, total sheep marketed decreased by 35,74% in comparison to 2024.
During the review period, live exports recorded a decline of 44,31%, and B&Cclass abattoirs at a decline of -13,1%. A-class abattoirs, however, recorded a 13,64% increase compared to Q3 of 2024.
Live exports decreased significantly by 44,31%, recording 80 216 heads in comparison to 144 045 recorded during the coressponding 2024 period.
Market share for live sheep exports decreased to 68,6% during the period under review from the 79,16% recorded in 2024.

Both export approved abattoirs’ and B&C-class abattoirs’ market share increased to 13,67% and 17,73% , respectively, from 7,73% and 13,11% in Q3 of 2024.
The price difference between Namibian sheep export abattoirs and the Northern Cape abattoirs reduced however, remaining in favor of Northern Cape producers averaging at negative N$6.03/kg during the period from a negative price differencial of N$6.87/kg recorded during 2024.
The Namibian A2 producer price on average traded at N$91.92/kg during the period whereas the Northern Cape A2 producer price averaged N$97.94/kg during the review period, N$6.03/kg higher than the Namibian A2 producer price.
The Northern Cape producer prices serve as a benchmark for Namibian producers; given that majority of sheep exports are destined towards the Northern Cape region of South Africa.

Goat sector

The goat sector witnessed a drop in all marketing channels during Q3 of 2025.

Production and marketing

Total goat marketed during Q3 of 2025 decreased by 20,38% in comparison to the corresponding period of 2024.
Live exports decreased by 21,13%, recording 36 013 heads compared to the 45 664 in Q3 of 2024.
From the total number of goats marketed during the period under review, 98,6% were live exports, while B&C-class abattoirs accounted for 1,4% of all animals marketed.

Pork sector

Pig slaughtering activities at LLPBN-registered abattoirs recorded a growth during the period under review, relative to the third quarter of 2024.

Production and marketing

Pig slaughtering for the period under review totaled 13 296 pigs, an 8,06% growth in comparison to a slaughter quantity of 12 304 pigs during Q3 of 2024.
The pork market share remained in favour of imports due to increased pork imports.
Excluding processed products, the local pork market share increased from 43,1% to 48,55% during Q3.

Local pork production serviced 42,9% of the Namibian consumption requirements (including processed pork) during the period under review.
The average slaughter mass of pigs averaged 94,3 kg.
The pork-ceiling price for Q3 of 2025 stood at N$52.93 per kg while the benchmark RMAA price in South Africa averaged N$34.35 per kg during the period under review.

Conclusion

Q3 of 2025 showed a decline in growth in live exports and slight increases in other marketing channels for cattle, sheep and goats. While total marketing for the pig sector increased slightly, exports of beef products increased substantially while lamb and mutton exports declined. Commodity producer prices gradually increased from the start of 2025 and stabilised during Q3 of 2025. This is due to a limited availability of slaughter-ready animals because of herd rebuilding.

Red meat industry shows market resilience

Beef Market Overview

Namibia’s beef market continues to demonstrate a strong domestic orientation, with local consumption absorbing nearly two-thirds (69,3%) of total beef production between January and September 2025. Exports accounted for 30,7%, while imports represented a minimal 3,4% of total supply (4,8% of consumption), equivalent to about 6% of total consumption. This highlights the country’s continued self-sufficiency in beef supply, despite subdued output levels.

Although export volumes remain lower compared to 2024, local consumption has absorbed most of the supply due to reduced slaughter throughput and limited export availability. Imports, mainly from South Africa, have increased modestly by 25,2% on a year-to-date (Jan – Sep) from 860 193 kgs in 2024, to 1 077 248 kgs in 2025, to supplement short domestic supply and stabilize local prices.

This trend underscores a tight supply balance, where fewer slaughtered animals and softer export performance have shifted more beef into local markets, reflecting both constrained export demand and efforts to maintain domestic availability. This shift underscores the industry’s adaptive response to lower throughput while maintaining domestic availability and protecting price stability.

Mutton Market Overview

Namibia’s mutton market remains locally driven, with about 98,1% of local sheep meat production going into the local market between January and September 2025, while only roughly 1,9% was exported. In terms of total local supply, imports only accounted for about 2,1% of consumption, reflecting the continued dominance of the local market.

Despite reduced slaughter activity, local consumption has shown steady growth year-onyear, supported by stronger availability in the domestic market.

Exports, mainly destined for South Africa and neighboring SADC markets, have declined compared to 2024, in line with tighter supply and reduced processing volumes. Conversely, imports have more than doubled, rising by 70,1%, i.e. on a year-todate (Jan – Sep) period (from 176 781 kg in 2024 to 300 735 kg in 2025) as traders sought to meet rising local demand amid higher prices and lower domestic output.

This shift points to a consumption-driven mutton market, where supply shortages continue to reshape trade flows and pricing behaviour. Namibia’s mutton sector, like beef, is currently navigating a delicate equilibrium, balancing the need to sustain domestic supply while preserving export competitiveness.

Market Outlook

Both the beef and mutton industries reflect a tight-supply, high-price environment. Domestic demand is absorbing a larger share of production, while the export share is gradually narrowing. Although this indicates short-term supply pressure, it underscores a more resilient and self-sustaining domestic market base, positioning Namibia’s red meat sector for recovery as herds rebuild in the next production cycle.