Livestock prices in Namibia have exhibited a mixed trend during the first eight months of 2026. According to the Namibia Agriculture Union, B2 beef producer prices have performed strongly compared to 2025, while weaner prices recorded a more modest year-on-year increase. The union's report highlights the varying fortunes of different livestock sectors in the country. The report also notes that A2 lamb prices remained slightly above 2025 levels, while goat auction prices improved on a year-to-date basis.
B2 beef producer prices have been particularly strong, averaging N$74.64/kg from January to August 2026. This represents a 13.9% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2025. The Namibia Agriculture Union attributes this strong performance to increased slaughter capacity, a shift towards younger and heavier carcasses, and higher prices within each grade. The total SVCF export abattoir slaughters for January to August increased by 43.5% year-on-year to 91,321 head.
In contrast, weaner prices have recorded a more modest year-on-year increase. Weaner prices reached N$31.61/kg in August 2026, which is 4.4% above the N$30.27/kg recorded in August 2025. The weaner-to-B2 price ratio stood at approximately 47.0% in 2026, compared with 51.7% in 2025 and below the long-term benchmark of 62.0%. This reflects the comparatively stronger performance of slaughter cattle prices relative to weaner prices.
The small stock sector has also seen some positive trends. The A2 lamb price grew by 1.4% from the N$92.84/kg observed in 2025 to N$94.12/kg in 2026. Similarly, goat auction prices also improved during the period under review, growing by 13.0% from N$1,446 to N$1,634 per head. These increases indicate a relatively stable market for small stock in Namibia.
However, the pork sector has faced challenges during 2026. The national ceiling price declined to N$47.61/kg from N$55.17/kg at the start of the year. Although the year-to-date average of N$52.14/kg remained 1.2% above the corresponding period of 2025, the downward trend in pork prices is a concern for the industry.
The Namibia Agriculture Union has provided an overview of the current state of the livestock market. According to the union, price developments during the first eight months of 2026 point to comparatively stronger conditions in the slaughter cattle market, with B2 prices outpacing gains in weaner prices. The union also noted that sheep prices recovered strongly following weakness during the first quarter, while goat prices remained above 2025 levels on a year-to-date basis.
The current market trends have implications for the livestock industry in Namibia. The comparatively stronger performance of slaughter cattle prices relative to weaner prices, as well as the varying fortunes of different livestock sectors, will likely influence future market decisions. The impact of the recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreak in Namibia on the livestock market remains to be seen.
Key points
- B2 beef producer prices averaged N$74.64/kg from January to August 2026, a 13.9% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2025.
- Weaner prices reached N$31.61/kg in August 2026, a 4.4% increase compared to August 2025.
- The pork sector faced challenges in 2026, with the national ceiling price declining to N$47.61/kg from N$55.17/kg at the start of the year.
