There was an improved uptake in the number of pigs at various local abattoirs countrywide, which saw the country slaughtering over 5 000 pigs during December last year, the latest Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) market report shows.
This marks an annual increase of 23.31% when compared to the figures recorded in December 2023, especially when observed from a year-on-year basis.
On a month-to-month basis, pigs slaughtered increased by 11.40% from the previous number of 4 349 heads slaughtered during November 2024.
During the period under review, the Mariental and Halooli abattoirs slaughtered 3 199 and 1 454 pigs, respectively.
The Namibian pork ceiling price under the Pork Scheme is still fixed at N$51.03/kg in order to lessen the negative effects of the falling Red Meat Abattoir Association (RMAA) pork price, which is used as the basis for calculating the Namibian ceiling price.
On the import side, Namibia imports of pork carcasses increased by 68.39%, from 16 951 kg imported in November 2024 to 28 543 kg during December.
The report further shows that processed pork products (cooked & uncooked), recorded an increase of 1.56% on a month-to-month basis.
During the period January to December 2024, 63% of total pork imports comprised of pork offal, followed by cooked pork and uncooked processed pork, which accounted for 21%, pork cuts at 12%, while pork carcasses accounted for 4%.
Beef market
Meanwhile, the country saw mixed results in its beef value chains after it recorded a decrease of 29.72% on a year-on-year basis from the 15 573 cattle marketed in December 2023 to 10 944 in December 2024.
On a year-on-year basis, live exports stood at 29.76%, which is lower than observed in December 2023.
During the same period, exports were at 41.73% of the 8 152 cattle heads exported in November to 4 751 cattle heads exported during December 2024.
South Africa absorbed majority of cattle (weaner) exports from Namibia, while reduced quantities were exported to Zimbabwe and Botswana.
The weaner price ratio during December 2024 stood at 42%, compared to the 45% recorded in November 2024. Due to a general decline in weaner prices, the weaner price ratio has been below the benchmark of 64%.
ohembapu@nepc.com.na