The national average weaner calf price for calves between 200 and 250 kilograms has dropped further, now trading at R33.53 per kilogram, with “out-of-hand” sales also down to R34.95 per kilogram. However, lighter calves between 160 and 200 kilograms have increased to R33.58, while heavier calves between 250 and 300 kilograms rose to R32.78 last week. Bulk calves, averaging 225 kg, stand at R33.19, while heifer calves (averaging 228 kg) are now at R30.88.
The average price in the Free State remains relatively high at R35.10, while prices in the North West remain stable at R33.49. It looks like calf prices may stabilize at these levels and could only start declining again around mid-May. However, as I mentioned last week, I believe we can maintain better price levels this year compared to last year due to lower supply and higher demand—but that’s just my opinion.
Slaughter prices have stabilized, with the A2/3 carcass price now at R55.27, while the C-grade price dropped to R46.91 per kilogram. It looks promising that slaughter prices could start rising again from now until May.
The average cow price last week stood at R11,082 per head or R20.77 per kg, pregnant cows at R13,894, and cows with calves at R13,672. The latest bull price came in at R19.81 per kilogram.
The average feeder lamb price continues its upward trend, increasing 1.5% to R41.47, while slaughter lamb prices rose to R42.49 per kilogram.
Direct feeder lamb prices also increased, trading at R41.45, while direct slaughter lamb prices declined to R41.12 per kilogram last week.
The average feeder lamb price in the Free State increased sharply to R43.67, while in the Eastern Cape, it stands at R40.67 per kilogram.
We are still about 13% above last year’s price levels, but below the levels seen in 2022. Historically, lamb prices tend to dip slightly at the end of March but could rise again until the end of June as supply decreases.
Slaughter prices remain high, with A2/3 lamb at R99.73 per kilogram, while C2/3 lamb prices dropped to R64.81 per kilogram. Based on historical seasonal trends, A2/3 prices could now start trending upward and may peak around early July, which is typically when prices reach their highest levels.
The RWS clean wool price increased last week to R179.82 per kg, while non-RWS wool prices also rose to R176.59 per kilogram. In Australia, wool prices jumped by over 2.5%, reaching an average of AUS $12.25 per kilogram. Strong competition between buyers at Australian auctions was the main driver, with analysts attributing the rise mainly to economic-driven purchases rather than emotional buying. The hope is that this positive sentiment will carry over to our market this week and support our prices as well.
The Poultry market recovered after last week’s dip: Frozen ex-abattoir prices rose to R33.10, Fresh Poultry prices surged to R36.82, IQF prices remained stable at R33.29 per kilogram. I expect prices to stay around these levels until the end of March, with a slight increase in April and May.
Pork prices remain stable, with the latest baconer price at R32.38 per kg, porker price at R32.65 per kg, sausage pig price increasing to R25.78 per kilogram. Expect sideways movement in prices until the end of July. Traditionally, prices tend to decline slightly due to lower demand, but supply pressures could counteract this trend.
Goat prices increased last week. Large goats now at R36.53, Small goats up to R52.10, Medium goats rising to R49.62, goat ewe prices increasing to R40.62 per kilogram. Prices are expected to remain volatile week to week but should follow a general upward trend from now.
Lucerne prices remain stable. The latest Grade 1 lucerne price is R3,100 per ton, Premium lucerne at R3,750 per ton, Grade 2 lucerne holding at R2,500 per ton. Soybean meal import parity price rose to R11,197. Yellow maize prices dropped to R4,890 per ton on Monday, Sunflower prices now at R8,900 per ton.
Demand for chop is increasing due to higher demand from feedlots as we move into the weaning season. However, buyers remain very price-sensitive, and the price has only increased slightly to R3,400 per ton. Load shedding is creating uncertainty, which, combined with upcoming public holidays over the next month and a half, could result in fewer milling days, thereby limiting supply.
