Farmers to prepare for good rainfall

Farmers are encouraged to prepare for a good rainy season and while also continuing to build adaptive climate change capacity through various strategies.These include optimal rangeland management, restocking and farm diversification.According to the climate outlook for October to March issued by the Southern African Regional Climate Outlook Forum (SARCOF), southern African countries are likely to receive normal to above-normal rainfall throughout the rainfall season."The seasonal forecast gives hope to farmers that the herd rebuilding efforts will not go in vain," Agribank said in its latest monthly market watch.Above-normal rainfall is expected for January to March next year.Sheep industryThe total sheep marketed in July was 53 015, translating to a 100% growth from 26 477 sheep marketed in July last year.Live sheep exports to South Africa stood at 42 273 in July from 26 273 last year.Local sheep slaughtering recorded a 10% increase to 10 197 in July from 9 284 in July 2021.“We expect an increase in sheep slaughter numbers as the Farmers Meat Market abattoir in Mariental reopens in September.”Abolish sheep marketing schemeMeanwhile, at its latest meeting, the Meat Board of Namibia decided to request the agriculture ministry to abolish the sheep marketing scheme.This follows a request by sheep sector representatives - after a Cabinet decision in 2019 - to postpone the implementation of the scheme forone year, which would then enable the ministry to re-evaluate it and propose intensive measures to limit sheep exports.The sheep marketing scheme was introduced in 2004 to ensure supply to sheep abattoirs.“It did not succeed in its aim, which was confirmed by a study done by the agriculture ministry,” the Meat Board said.Goat, cattle sectorFurthermore, Agribank said double digit growth was observed in goat marketing, recording a 103% increase to 15 628 in July from 7 700 in July 2021.The sector’s performance is attributed to high numbers of live exports to South Africa for a better price.At least 22 967 cattle were marketed in July this year, which translates into an 8% decrease from 25 090 marketed in 2021.The number of cattle marketed for slaughtering purposes declined by 33% to 7 374 in July compared to 11 072 in 2021.According to Agribank, weaner exports continued to dominate, increasing by 14% to 15 272 from 13 448 in the prior year.“This can be attributed to higher weaner demand and prices in South Africa. Cattle inventory across the globe remain below pre-pandemic levels, while demand for livestock products such as wool and beef have increased.”It added that South Africa is no exception, thus the prices for livestock have increased, prompting more weaner exports from Namibia.“The outlook for cattle farmers remains a mixed bag. On one hand, cattle prices in 2022 are higher compared to 2021; on the other hand, input expenses are rising. With farmers facing increases in both feed and non-feed input costs, it remains questionable as to whether cattle price increases are enough to offset high production cost,” Agribank said.

Farmers to prepare for good rainfall

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-23

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Farmers to prepare for good rainfall

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Namibian Sun 2026-06-23

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