South Africa to reduce live weaner imports from Namibia

The South African Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) is considering reducing the amount of meat and number of weaners imported from Namibia. This is due to the increasing financial strain South African farmers face. The matter was raised at the International Red Meat Forum, where the Namibian Livestock Producers’ Organisation (LPO), the RPO, and the Ghanzi Farmers’ Association of Botswana met to discuss issues affecting the livestock industry in the three countries. According to the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) newsletter, the meeting, was held in Pretoria on 4 September. “They met at the National Red Meat Producers Organisation, which the three countries take turns to host,” said LPO spokesperson Rina Hough. The LPO is an affiliate of the NAU. The meeting recognised South Africa’s role as a vital market for Namibian livestock farmers, with 80% of sheep farmers’ income and 40% of cattle producers’ income coming from South African consumers. According to ...