Namibian cattle sales fell 58 percent during the first three months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The Livestock and Livestock Products Board reported that farmers sold 37,577 cattle compared to 89,507 animals in early 2024. Good rainfall encouraged ranchers to keep more animals to rebuild their herds after recent drought conditions. Lumpy skin disease also reduced the number of healthy cattle available for market. These factors combined to create a sharp decrease in livestock sales across the country.
Live cattle exports to other countries declined 76.77 percent to 13,370 head during the quarter. Processing facilities saw fewer animals as A-class abattoirs handled 17,506 cattle compared to higher numbers previously. Smaller B-class and C-class processing plants received 6,701 animals, down from 9,489 in 2024. Export markets received 35.6 percent of all cattle sold. Processing facilities handled the remaining animals for domestic consumption.
Cattle prices increased despite fewer animals reaching markets. Weaner cattle south of the veterinary fence averaged 29.13 Namibian dollars per kilogram. North of the fence, tolly cattle prices averaged 30.03 dollars per kilogram. Producer carcass prices rose to 69 dollars per kilogram, an increase of 8.13 dollars from the previous year. South African cattle prices remained lower at 48.72 dollars per kilogram due to foot and mouth disease concerns.
Sheep and goat marketing also showed significant declines during the first quarter. Sheep sales fell 42.7 percent as live exports decreased to 85,840 head from 153,713 animals previously. Goat marketing decreased 15.1 percent with most animals exported alive to neighboring countries. Pig processing increased slightly with 12,324 animals processed compared to 12,255 in early 2024. Pork imports continued to supply more than half of national consumption needs.
Live cattle exports to other countries declined 76.77 percent to 13,370 head during the quarter. Processing facilities saw fewer animals as A-class abattoirs handled 17,506 cattle compared to higher numbers previously. Smaller B-class and C-class processing plants received 6,701 animals, down from 9,489 in 2024. Export markets received 35.6 percent of all cattle sold. Processing facilities handled the remaining animals for domestic consumption.
Cattle prices increased despite fewer animals reaching markets. Weaner cattle south of the veterinary fence averaged 29.13 Namibian dollars per kilogram. North of the fence, tolly cattle prices averaged 30.03 dollars per kilogram. Producer carcass prices rose to 69 dollars per kilogram, an increase of 8.13 dollars from the previous year. South African cattle prices remained lower at 48.72 dollars per kilogram due to foot and mouth disease concerns.
Sheep and goat marketing also showed significant declines during the first quarter. Sheep sales fell 42.7 percent as live exports decreased to 85,840 head from 153,713 animals previously. Goat marketing decreased 15.1 percent with most animals exported alive to neighboring countries. Pig processing increased slightly with 12,324 animals processed compared to 12,255 in early 2024. Pork imports continued to supply more than half of national consumption needs.
