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Welcome to this week’s AMT Meat Price Overview, proudly powered by John Deere.
This week, we’re seeing international pork and chicken prices dropping — but could that slow down the upward momentum in our local markets?
Beef and lamb prices remain mostly stable, while goat prices continue to rise. However, we’re noticing that chop prices are starting to ease, likely due to lower maize prices.
I’ll also unpack where each of these markets might be heading as we move toward the end of the year — all in this week’s episode, proudly brought to you by John Deere.
🐄 Beef Market
The national average weaner calf price (200–250 kg) stayed mostly sideways last week at R37.31/kg, while the Top 40% commercial average increased to R39.49/kg.
Heifer prices are now at R35.29, and bull calves at R37.29/kg.
Regional prices:
- Free State: R37.41/kg
- Eastern Cape: R37.08/kg
- Western Cape: R36.50/kg
There’s still over 80% price correlation with 2017 trends, suggesting potential for another R1.50 increase by November, followed by a small dip in December. In short — don’t expect major movement for calf prices for the rest of 2025.
The official A2/3 carcass price is now R71.87/kg, while AMT’s surveyed price sits at R70.50/kg.
Prices remain lower in the Northern Cape (R63/kg).
The C-grade carcass price is R59.83/kg.
Beef slaughter prices appear likely to hold these levels through October, possibly ticking higher in November before climbing sharply in December — possibly nearing the R80 mark. However, with Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks expanding, slaughter numbers could slow, further supporting prices into December.
🐑 Lamb and Mutton Market
Store lamb prices remain sideways at R49.72/kg, while slaughter lambs average R49.46/kg.
The Free State price declined to R49.87/kg, and the Northern Cape is lower at R48.33/kg.
Price correlation with 2020 trends exceeds 90%, indicating possible declines to R47/kg in November and R45/kg in December, though sideways movement is expected through October as supply remains limited.
The A2/3 carcass price held steady at R107.23/kg, and C2/3 fell to R80.12/kg.
AMT’s surveyed prices remain R105.86/kg (A-grade) and R77/kg (C-grade).
Following 2020’s pattern, mutton prices could stay flat in October, drop to R104/kg in November, and then rise strongly in December to around R109/kg.
🧶 Wool Market
Australian wool prices dipped again last week, and South African prices followed.
- 20-micron RWS price: R216/kg
- Non-RWS 20-micron price: R198/kg
- Average RWS price: R214.71/kg
In Australia, the average fell to AUS $15.17/kg, as buyers resist record-high levels.
However, with supply volumes remaining low, competition could still support prices — a positive sign for our market in the coming weeks.
🐐 Goat Market
Large goat prices rose to R48.02/kg, small goats to R81.43/kg, and goat ewes to R60.93/kg.
Despite this momentum, prices appear to be nearing the top of their cycle and could start trending downward toward year-end.
🐔 Poultry and Pork Market
- Frozen chicken (ex-abattoir): R34.69/kg
- Fresh chicken: R40.71/kg
- IQF: Sideways at R35.82/kg
Pork prices moved slightly higher:
- Baconers: R36.75/kg
- Porkers: R37.04/kg
- Sausage pigs: down to R28.50/kg
Seasonal patterns suggest pork and chicken prices may be peaking and could now stabilize.
However, international prices are dropping sharply, which could put downward pressure on local prices, as South Africa imports both pork and chicken.
🥚 Eggs, Milk, and Feed
- Graded eggs: R21.53/dozen
- Ungraded eggs: R16.34/dozen
- Milk: R6.95/litre
Lucerne prices:
- Grade 1 (inland): R3,800/ton (down)
- Premium: R4,400/ton (up)
- Grade 2: Around R3,500/ton
Chop prices came under pressure last week, following the decline in maize prices.
The latest average chop price trades around R3,500/ton, but could fall further as feed buyers shift to cheaper alternatives.
🚜 Final Thoughts
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🎙️ I’m Dr. Johnny van der Merwe — thank you for tuning in to AMT’s weekly Meat Price Overview!