Veld-raised lamb boosted

Namibian sheep producers have launched the NamLamb initiative to build a national brand for veld-raised lamb and expand market opportunities for Namibian farmers.

The initiative was officially launched in Windhoek on Friday.

NamLamb was founded by sheep producers Lenn de Jager and Hannes Agenbach, aiming to ensure Namibian lamb becomes more recognisable among consumers.

NamLamb focuses on lamb raised naturally in the veld without hormones. It also promotes responsible farming practices and Namibia’s animal health status.

De Jager says the initiative wants consumers to know more about the product, the farmers who produce it, and the conditions under which the sheep are raised.

The long-term plan is to establish NamLamb as a national brand and increase demand for Namibian lamb.

It also aims to give sheep producers a common platform and help them find sustainable markets in Namibia and other countries.

De Jager on Friday said NamLamb is intended to go beyond livestock competitions and once-off events, with the focus on building long-term value around Namibian lamb.

The initiative has already received financial support from several companies.

Bank Windhoek has invested N$250 000 in the first NamLamb campaign. Bank Windhoek executive officer of retail banking services Leon Koch at the event said the investment reflects the bank’s support for the agricultural sector and local producers.

“NamLamb is more than a brand; it is a Namibian story of quality, resilience and pride. Our N$250 000 sponsorship invests in producers, stronger markets and the future of agriculture,” he said.

Santam has committed N$100 000 as the initiative’s exclusive insurance partner.

Agra is supporting NamLamb and serves as its marketing and administrative coordinator. Other sponsors include SwiftVEE Namibia, Exifeed, NamMeat, Gobabis Toyota, Spar Namibia and Pure Plaas.

The funding will support the development of the NamLamb brand, marketing and communication activities, as well as Team Namibia’s participation in South Africa next month.

NamLamb’s first major opportunity to promote Namibian lamb outside the country will come on 31 October, when 10 local sheep producers compete at the 2026 Lamb Champs Invitational in Pretoria East.

Namibian producers will compete against 10 South African producers.

Team Namibia consists of De Jager, Agenbach, Franco Burger, Andries Steenkamp, Louis de Jager, Eddie Agenbach, Wilbur Mostert, Hannes Visagie, Koos Briedenhann and Danie Steenkamp.

The producers were selected during the Namibia Agricultural Union Agri Braai in April and were officially introduced as ‘Team Namibia’ during the NamLamb launch.

Next year, NamLamb plans to introduce local and regional competitions and activities across Namibia.

Koch said getting more producers involved, educating consumers and maintaining consistent production standards could help increase demand and open new markets for Namibian lamb.

Bank Windhoek says agriculture remains important for food security, rural livelihoods and the economy.

The bank provides working capital, production funding and long-term financing to farmers who want to buy assets or expand their operations.

Its partnership with John Deere gives farmers access to machinery financing, while its sustainability loan provides financing for renewable energy, water efficiency and sustainable agriculture.

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