Cattle, sheep marketing up sharply before FMD

Namibia’s livestock sector recorded strong growth in cattle and sheep marketing, live exports and meat shipments in the eight months to August, before foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) was confirmed in the country in September.The Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) said cattle marketing rose 34.9% year-on-year to 195 620 head by the end of August, up from 145 049 during the same period in 2025. August marketing alone increased by 32.5% to 29 389 head.Live cattle exports climbed 67.1% to 66 632 head, compared with 39 883 in the first eight months of 2025. Export-approved abattoirs processed 93 752 cattle, up 36%, while throughput at B- and C-class abattoirs fell 2.7% to 35 236 head.Beef exports increased by 51.5% to 12.72 million kg, from 8.40 million kg a year earlier. August shipments rose 36.8% year-on-year to 2.01 million kg. Exports of hides and processed leather also climbed 72.1% to 1.24 million kg.Sheep marketing rose 40.9% to 575 425 head, compared with 408 291 in the corresponding period last year. August marketing increased 43.5% to 54 301 head.Live sheep exports surged 55.9% to 463 745 head, up from 297 465 in 2025. August exports rose 78% to 46 754 head. The board attributed the growth to strong demand from South African feedlots and producers’ preference for export markets over domestic supply.Export-approved abattoirs processed 47 071 sheep, an increase of 14.9%. However, domestic abattoir throughput declined 7.5% to 64 609 head, reflecting weaker local demand, rising operating costs and competition from informal slaughter, according to the board.Lamb and mutton exports increased 24.2% to 436 685 kg.

Cattle, sheep marketing up sharply before FMD

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-13

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Cattle, sheep marketing up sharply before FMD

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Namibian Sun 2026-10-13

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