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Staff Reporter THE Livestock Producers Organisation (LPO) Chairperson, Jako van Wyk, and Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) Executive Manager, Roelie Venter, recently attended the bi-annual International Red Meat Forum (RMF), held in South Africa. The RMF, established three years ago, brings together livestock producer organisations from Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa to discuss key issues affecting the regional red meat industry. The forum aims to promote a favourable and sustainable environment for red meat production while fostering collaboration on trade, animal health, and market development. Discussions at the recent meeting focused on disease management, trade protocols, and regional policy developments. A major concern highlighted was the ongoing foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) situation in South Africa. Participants emphasised the importance of maintaining strict biosecurity measures, particularly along border areas. Namibia’s Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) received recognition for its proactive disease prevention approach, supported by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB) and the wider livestock industry, which together play a key role in safeguarding Namibia’s export markets. PICTURED: From left: James Faber, Dr. Frikkie Maré, Frik van Rooyen, Roelie Venter (Namibia), Angus Williamson, Jako van Wyk (Namibia), and Jan Stiglingh (Botswana). Photo: RPO The forum also reviewed Botswana’s policy decision to ban live cattle exports to South Africa from 2025. The policy, intended to support local abattoirs, has led to a significant decline in weaner prices, highlighting the impact of such measures on primary producers — particularly small-scale farmers. According to discussions, current weaner prices in Botswana are roughly 50% of those in Namibia and South Africa. Despite prevailing challenges, the red meat sector in South Africa has shown resilience, with slaughter numbers only slightly lower than in 2024 and carcass prices up by nearly 40% since the start of the year. In contrast to Namibia — which consumes only about 40% of its total meat production and relies heavily on exports — South Africa consumes around 97% domestically. This strong local demand has provided stability to its meat industry amid regional pressures. Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to eradicating foot-and-mouth disease as a long-term goal and underscored the need for broader regional collaboration involving Namibia, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and South Africa. Strengthening cooperation, they said, is vital for improving market access and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the southern African red meat industry. The International Red Meat Forum, an initiative of South Africa’s National Red Meat Producers Organisation (RPO), continues to play an important role in aligning regional policies, fostering trust, and enhancing the competitiveness of the livestock sector.
