WINDHOEK, Jan. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Meat Board of Namibia said on Monday that the country has sold approximately 421,000 cattle in 2017, an increase of 30 percent compared to 2016.
In a statement released on Monday, the Meat Board of Namibi said 313,000 cattle were exported to South African feedlots in 2017.
In 2016 Namibia sold 293,000 cattle, with a 34-percent price increase, according to the statement.
The average B2-cattle meat prices at export abattoirs increased by 16 percent in 2017.
The number of sheep sold in 2017 amounted to 394,000 with an increase of 2 percent, while 310,000 were slaughtered locally, according to the statement.
The Meat Board said that the country has gained the increases despite three years of relentless drought and economic slowdown.
However, it has been noted that there should be a thorough dialogue between the government and meat producers for the industry to stay profitable, competitive with added value to the products.
Founded in 1935, the Meat Board of Namibia facilitates the export of livestock, meat and processed meat products.
All major stakeholders of the Namibian meat industry are represented on the Board.
