Meat Board ups ear tag price, stock brand fees

The Livestock and Livestock Products Board (LLPB), formerly known as the Meat Board, has for the first time in eight years increased the price of ear tags used for animal identification by farmers.

The board also increased the price of stock brand fees.

According to a statement in the latest issue of the Namibia Agricultural Union (NAU) newsletter, the LLPB cited increasing production costs, elevated shipping expenses and administrative overheads as reasons that compelled the board to revisit its pricing strategy.

“Effective from 1 February, the new price for standard cattle ear tags will be N$24 per set, while large cattle ear tags will cost N$27 per set,” said the LLPB.

According tot the board, the standard cattle ear tags for the protection zone will now cost N$24 per set, while the standard cattle ear tags for the infected zone will also cost N$24 per set.

The board also set the price for small stock ear tags at N$4,85 per set.

In a statement dated 10 January, the LLPB notified stakeholders of the annual increase in stock brand fees, effective from 1 January 2024.

The adjustment follows the stipulations outlined in Government Gazette Notice No. 145 of 2015 and aligns with the board’s role as the mandated administrator of stock brands.

“The LLPB aims to keep stakeholders abreast of the updated fees, which apply to the registration and transfer of stock brands, as well as the issuance of duplicate certificates,” said the notice.

The revised registration of stock brand fees which became effective from 10 January 2024 will now be N$173, up from N$163, while the transfer of a brand will now be N$63 from the previous fee of N$59.

The board also set the new fee for a duplicate certificate of a brand at N$109, up from the previous fee of N$103.

“This annual adjustment is in line with the average annual inflation rate, currently standing at 6% according to the Bank of Namibia Consumer Price Index,” said the LLPB’s notice.

The mission of the LLPB is to promote a conductive environment for sustainable livestock production, market growth and diversification for livestock, meat and meat products and to maintain standards and quality assurance by way of appropriate regulatory intervention.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na