The national average for calves between 200-250 kg dropped as expected by 2% to R32.77/kg, with “out-of-hand” sales also lower at R33.31/kg. Lighter calves (160-200 kg) traded at R32.85, while heavier calves (250-300 kg) traded at R31.41. The average price in the Free State dropped further to R31.46, while in the North West, it decreased to R33.61/kg.

Prices rose sharply to R57.18, while the C-grade price remained steady at R48.27/kg. Slaughter prices may peak around the week of December 20, while weaner calf prices are expected to hold at current levels for now due to a less active market in the coming weeks. Additional purchases from feedlots in January may push calf prices up, but prices could start declining again from February. I still believe 2025 will be a better year for prices compared to 2024.

Feeder lamb prices dropped by over 3% to a national average of R38.10/kg, while slaughter lamb prices fell to R38.47/kg. In the Free State, feeder lambs traded lower at R38.10, while prices in the Northern Cape remained stable at R37.35/kg.

A2/3 prices increased slightly due to better demand, reaching R87.95, while C2/3 prices rose to R63.01/kg.

Slaughter prices are likely near their peak, and we may see a sharp decline in the first few weeks of 2025 due to lower demand post-holiday season. Lamb prices are also expected to continue their downward trend, reaching a low point by late January.

If drought persists, more animals may come to market, but I increasingly believe 2025 will be a better year for sheep and cattle farmers, with lower local and Namibian supply potentially leading to higher prices. Improved demand from lower interest rates could also have a positive impact.

No local wool auctions occurred, but prices in Australia unfortunately dropped again by 0.2% to AUD $11.40/kg due to sluggish demand. There are positive signs that Australian supply is declining due to lower profitability, which may support better prices in 2025.

Poultry prices increased due to festive demand. Frozen ex-abattoir prices are R34.39/kg, fresh prices are R35.73/kg, and IQF prices are R32.88/kg. Prices may come under pressure in early 2025 due to lower demand.

Pork prices stabilized, with baconer prices at R32.38/kg, porker prices at R32.91/kg, and sausage pig prices at R25.37/kg. Prices are expected to decline in early 2025 as demand drops and spending shifts to school expenses.

Goat prices remain under pressure. Large goats are trading at R37.01/kg, small goats at R56.34/kg, and medium goats at R49.31/kg. Ewe goat prices increased to R44.86/kg last week.

In the feed market, the Grade 1 lucerne price remains at R3100/ton, with Premium lucerne at R3750 and Grade 2 at R2600, depending on foreign material content. Prices in the chop market are unstable, trading between R4800 and R5050/ton. Mills closing for the holiday period are keeping prices high, but a significant drop is expected in January when supply increases, and demand falls.