Staff Reporter
NAMIBIAN weaner calf prices are currently trading significantly below South African levels, with the price gap widening as local producers face higher export costs, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) restrictions and logistical challenges.
According to livestock market data, South African weaner calves are trading at around R46.03 per kilogram, equivalent to approximately N$46 per kilogram, while Namibian weaner calf prices remain considerably lower. Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN) auction data for 20 July 2026 shows related categories, including tollies and heifer mixes, averaging around N$34.47 per kilogram, with tollies reaching prices of up to approximately N$41.12 per kilogram in some categories.
The current difference between the two markets has raised concerns among producers, although market analysts indicate that Namibian prices have historically followed South African trends, usually with a lag of about six months.
A market analysis comparing Namibian and South African weaner calf prices notes that while the current price disparity appears unusually large, similar gaps occurred between 2020 and 2023 due to exceptional market conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic and herd rebuilding following the 2019 drought.
The analysis attributes the current weaker Namibian prices partly to increased export costs following FMD-related restrictions in Botswana. Livestock exports through Botswana are currently prohibited, while Namibian livestock trucks are not permitted to carry return loads after exporting animals.
Combined with rising diesel prices, these factors have increased export costs by more than N$1.50 per kilogram of live weight since January 2026.
The analysis further notes that direct comparisons between the two countries are complicated by differences in how prices are calculated. South Africa’s official weaner calf prices are based mainly on auction data, which represents only a portion of the broader market.
To provide a more accurate picture, auction prices were compared with actual exporter prices.
Despite the current price gap, the analysis concludes that both Namibia and South Africa’s weaner calf markets are trading close to historical lows in real terms.
Based on the long-standing relationship between the two markets, Namibian weaner calf prices are expected to continue following movements in the South African market.
The report also highlights changing trends in Namibia’s cattle marketing sector, with producers gradually shifting away from live exports.
Based on an estimated national herd of one million cattle, including around 350,000 breeding cows, Namibia produces approximately 210,000 calves annually. About 70,000 cattle are exported live during normal years, while around 150,000 animals contribute to herd rebuilding.
The analysis notes that major herd liquidation generally occurs only during drought years, making access to the South African market an important factor in managing livestock numbers.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s Agricultural Market Trends (AMT) reported that the average weaner calf price for animals weighing between 200 and 250 kilograms declined by almost 3% over the past week to R46.03 per kilogram.
AMT expects prices to weaken further during August and early September before potentially recovering in October as feedlots begin preparing for the Christmas market.
South Africa’s A2/A3 slaughter price increased to R68.50 per kilogram, while C-grade prices rose to R61.50 per kilogram. However, analysts expect slaughter prices to remain relatively stable in the short term.
Sources: AMT/NAU/LLPBN
