Meatco, the country’s largest and leading meat processing and marketing entity, on Friday recognised and honoured Namibia’s top livestock producers at its 2025 Producer of the Year Awards, where excellence in livestock production was celebrated.

The awards ceremony also recognised the farmers whose commitment to quality continues to underpin the country’s reputation for producing premium, free-range beef.

The annual awards recognise producers who consistently supply livestock that meets Meatco’s stringent quality specifications, including preferred conformation, fat grade and age requirements.

They also acknowledge the resilience and dedication of Namibian farmers who continue to produce world-class beef under challenging semi-arid conditions.

Through these awards, Meatco once again reaffirmed its commitment to recognising producers whose efforts strengthen Namibia’s premium beef value chain, support export competitiveness and contribute to the long-term sustainability of the livestock industry.

Speaking at the awards ceremony, Meatco’s interim CEO Albertus Aochamub said the awards recognise the producers whose commitment to quality enables Namibia to compete successfully in premium international markets.

“Our livestock producers are the backbone of Namibia’s beef industry and the foundation of Meatco’s success. Their commitment to quality, consistency and sustainable production enables Namibia to maintain its reputation as a trusted supplier of premium beef worldwide. Today, we celebrate their excellence and thank them for their continued partnership,” he said

Aochamub also expressed appreciation to the sponsors whose continued support has strengthened the Producer of the Year Awards as an important platform for recognising excellence in the livestock sector.

Winners, runners-up and nominees

Producer of the Year – Commercial: Mr Johannes Esterhuizen

Emerging Commercial Producer: Hallie Investment No. 573 CC (Mr Salomo Hei)

Communal Producer – NCA Rundu: Mr Robert Hauwanga

Communal Producer – NCA Katima Mulilo: Mr Liyemo Mbangweta

Communal Producer – SVCF: Mr Alfons Kahuure

Runner-ups

Producer of the Year – Commercial: Mr Jacobus De Klerk

Emerging Commercial Producer: Mr Erickson Eheeno Haikela

Communal Producer – NCA Rundu: Mr Mutesi Ngangami

Communal Producer – NCA Katima Mulilo: Mr George Mushabati

Communal Producer – SVCF: Mr Agustinius Kaunuua

FeedMaster Namibia served as principal sponsor of the awards, contributing N$42 000 towards the Producer of the Year – Commercial category.

Additional sponsorship was provided by the Livestock and Livestock Products Board of Namibia (LLPBN), Bank Windhoek and Meatco, each contributing N$30 000 towards their respective award categories.

-ohembapu@nepc.com.na