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Marketing Figures 2009 The preliminary marketing figures for 2009 have been released and according to them the marketing of cattle for export decreased by 18% compared to the five-year average. This is mainly because of a decrease of 22.9% in the export of weaners. Slaughtering at export abattoirs increased by 0.32% compared to 2008 and by 2% compared to the five-year average. The increase in slaughtering is mainly attributed to good producers’ prices offered by export abattoirs, as well as to lower weaner prices. It is expected that utilisation of local slaughtering capacities will increase in 2010. As regards small stock, the marketing of sheep increased by 12% compared to the same period in 2008, but decreased by 3% compared to the five-year average. Goat exports increased by 3.7% compared to the same period in 2008. In general marketing figures for 2009 were very positive. The full reports that also include price comparisons and forecasts will be available on our website next week.
Fan Meat The Meat Board of Namibia administers the registration of Stock Brands (SBs) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Forestry. In order to cover increasing administrative costs, fees for registration and transfer of SBs and the issuing of SB certificate duplicates will increase with effect from 1st February 2010. The following new fees apply: Registration of brand N$ 80 (currently N$50) Transfer of a brand N$ 20 (currently N$ 5) Duplicate certificate N$ 40 (currently N$ 20)
Arboricide Arboricide is again available at the offices of the Meat Board and can be purchased on Mondays and Fridays. Tebuthirion the liquid costs N$128.35 per litre, the Bromacil powder N$113.55 per kilogram, and the syringes are N$57.50 each. The prices include tax. Producers can again place orders payable in advance at current prices. This will be regarded as deposits and the real price will be adapted with delivery. Orders can be placed directly at the Meat Board until Friday 29 January 2010. The estimated period for delivery is eight weeks. For any further enquiries please contact Agnus at 275839.
Brand Assurance Schemes For some time now Namibia has been the preferred supplier to Woolworths and Pick and Pay for both beef and lamb. In order to benefit from these initiatives and gain from premiums set out by abattoirs exporting these branded products, producer specifications for partaking in the respective brand assurance schemes are available from the Meat Board and/or the respective abattoirs of Brukkaros and Meatco. It is crucial that producers adhere to these requirements, which do not differ much from the already applied requirements under the official FANMeat Scheme administered by the Meat Board of Namibia and the natural production environment of Namibia. Producers wishing to participate in the brand assurance schemes need to apply at the mentioned abattoirs and subject themselves to audits by the Meat Board. For more information contact Mr S van Zyl
Exposure Trip - Marketing Trends The Meat Board, as part of its national obligation to inform farmers and keep them abreast of marketing trends, has undertaken an exposure trip with producers in the N-VCF and the S-VCF to learn more about and share experiences for better management of their livestock enterprises. The group consisted of chairpersons of regional marketing committees, regional councillors and extension officers from each region in the northern communal areas. The objective of the trip was to: • allow for in-depth discussion on various fields in livestock production and marketing, • improve networking among farmers on such occasions, • learn from existing and functional marketing committees in other regions, • appreciate other farming systems for possible recurrences, • realise opportunities that might exist in their farming enterprise, and • mobilise marketing and farmers’ associations to become better organised. The trip could be rated a success and possible recurrences can be considered in the near future.
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SMALL STOCK SCHEME No new arrangements or progress has been made regarding a solution for future sheep exports or the local slaughtering of sheep. The Ministry of Trade and Industry has been informed accordingly, and will decide on a date for a meeting of the Implementing and Monitoring Committee as soon as possible. The Meat Board has communicated the urgency and merits of the matter to the Ministry of Trade and Industry.