A Better Week for the Meat Industry – But Disease Concerns and Vaccinations Now Driving Prices
It was a better week for the local meat industry. However, growing concerns around disease outbreaks, the rollout of vaccinations, and their combined impact on supply are beginning to play a decisive role in market pricing.
This Meat Price Overview is proudly brought to you by John Deere.
Cattle Market
The average weaner calf price (200–250kg) increased last week to R39.51/kg, with the Top 40% average rising to R42.15/kg.
Provincial prices:
- Free State: R40.43
- Eastern Cape: R39.51
- Western Cape: R36.57
Calf prices may still face downward pressure in the short term. However, if vaccination programs gain momentum — which we are hoping for — and feedlot demand improves, weaner prices could remain supported at higher levels.
It will be interesting to see whether we experience the traditional decline in calf prices during April and May this year. Much will depend on whether more producers decide to feed calves themselves, feedlot demand, and grazing availability.
The national A2/3 slaughter price stands at R63/kg, while C-grade prices are lower at R55.40/kg. Slaughter prices are likely to remain under pressure until the end of March due to typically subdued demand. April, however, should bring some price recovery.
Sheep Market
Unfortunately, it was a difficult week for sheep producers. Store lamb prices declined by approximately 10% to R46.05/kg. Lower slaughter prices and weaker consumer demand appear to have filtered through to the lamb market.
Heavy slaughter lambs are currently trading at R45.23/kg.
Provincial store lamb prices:
- Free State: R43.73
- Eastern Cape: R47.72
- Western Cape: R46.69
The A2/3 slaughter price has stabilized at R96.25/kg, with C2/3 prices at R76.25/kg. Demand pressure typically keeps sheep slaughter prices subdued through March, with April often bringing improved pricing.
The key level to watch is R95/kg. If prices can remain above this level over the next month, store lamb prices could also stabilize at higher levels.
Wool Market
Wool prices strengthened further last week.
- 20-micron RWS wool: R243/kg
- Non-RWS 20-micron: R226/kg
- Average RWS price: R238.01/kg
This is currently 34.5% higher year-on-year, despite a significantly stronger rand.
If the exchange rate had remained at last year’s level of R18.41/USD, wool prices would now be closer to R273/kg. Stripping out currency effects, prices would effectively be around 54% higher year-on-year, driven purely by tighter supply and stronger demand.
The Australian Wool Indicator also increased to AUD 16.77/kg, up 38% year-on-year.
Goat Market
The goat market showed moderate recovery:
- Large goats: R48.96/kg
- Small goats: R56.45/kg
- Medium goats: R57.01/kg
- Goat ewes: R35.92/kg (declined)
Prices are expected to remain under pressure through March.
Poultry Market
Chicken prices stabilized:
- Frozen ex-abattoir: R35.29/kg
- Fresh: R39.61/kg
- IQF: R35.50/kg
Chicken prices typically remain under pressure during February and March due to softer demand, with April usually bringing improvement.
Pork Market
Most pork prices declined last week:
- Baconers: R40.02/kg
- Porkers: R40.28/kg
- Sausage pigs: R31.85/kg (slight increase)
Ongoing concerns around disease outbreaks and their potential impact on supply this year are now playing an increasingly important role in keeping prices at relatively firm levels.
Feed Market
Feed prices remain relatively subdued due to fewer animals being fed and improved grazing conditions in many regions following rainfall.
- Grade 1 lucerne: R3,300/ton
- Grade 2 lucerne: R2,900/ton
- Prime lucerne: R4,200/ton
- Chop: R2,150/ton (under significant pressure due to weak demand)
That was your Meat and Feed Price Overview, proudly brought to you by John Deere.