Weaner prices dropWeaner prices have dropped dramatically during the last few months. Not a single calf exported to SA since 1 July With no weaner exports having taken place for the last two months weaner prices in Namibia have dropped drastically since South Africa implemented stringent livestock import conditions.According to the Meat Board of Namibia not a single weaner calf has been exported to South Africa since 1 July.
The Meat Board says weaner calf prices fluctuated around N$19.35/kg at the beginning of the year. The average weaner calf price in July was about N$16.49/kg and it decreased even further during August.
“Certain categories of cattle such as smaller calves and lean cows sell for very low prices, and the number of animals offered at auctions is at its lowest.”
The situation is worsened by the devastating drought in Namibia.
According to the Meat Board a meeting between role players, producers, abattoirs and Feedmaster was arranged to discuss short-term solutions.
One option is to request farmers with available grazing to raise weaner calves and get rid of unproductive animals.
“Considering the current weaner price levels, growing weaners to slaughter oxen with supplementary licks can be profitable,” says the Meat Board. The Meat Baord reminded farmers that South Africa has started relaxing its import regulations, albeit only for sheep at the moment.
There are now four South African facilities that have been approved under South Africa’s Standard Operational Procedures (SOPs) that may receive sheep from Namibia.
The Department of Veterinary Services in the RSA confirmed that there are 15 more applications submitted for approval, which include cattle facilities.
The accreditation of these facilities makes it easier to obtain import permits. The most important aspect which is omitted is the compulsory testing for brucellosis and double testing for tuberculosis (TB). This means that small stock do not have to be tested anymore and that cattle only have to be tested for TB once within the 30 days before export.
“It is thus important to take note that there are currently two types of import permits that are valid. One permit, as announced in the South African Government Gazette, is applicable to export of animals from Namibia to any destination in South Africa and requires an extensive range of tests, while the latest permit, the so-called SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) permit, is valid only for approved destinations and requires fewer tests.” The Meat Board said it is important for Namibian exporters to study the requirements for each South African import permit and take the necessary actions to comply with these requirements.
ELLANIE SMIT