The national average weaner calf price for calves between 200 and 250 kilograms has continued to decrease as expected and is now trading at R33.76 per kilogram, with “Out-of-hand” sales sideways at R35.62 per kg. Lighter calves between 160 and 200 kilograms are decreasing to R33.22, while heavier calves between 250 and 300 kilograms dropped to R31.68 last week. Bulk calves, averaging 224kg, are standing at R32.27, with miscellaneous calves, averaging 221kg, now at R31.11. In the different regions, prices have also decreased, with the average price in the Free State at R34.88, while the price in Natal dropped to R31.37 last week.
The expectation is that prices might stabilize between R32 and R33 until the beginning of May, but the calf price is likely to come under further pressure during May when we typically see higher supply. It seems that the average price should remain above the R30 mark, with a low point expected towards the end of June. Unfortunately, slaughter prices have also decreased, with the A2/3 carcass price now at R55.71, while the C-grade price dropped to R47.80 per kilogram. Slaughter prices may remain at a lower level until the end of February and then start rising again from March to May. This week, we have used not only prices from the week’s auctions to determine cow and calf prices but also considered breeding animals. Keep this in mind when determining your prices. The average cow price last week stood at R11,119 per head, pregnant cows at R16,588, and cow and calf packages at R15,877.
In the sheep industry, the average feeder lamb price has risen to R41.14, with the slaughter lamb price lower at R40.97 per kilogram. Direct or Out-of-hand sales prices are higher, with the direct store lamb price at R41.37 and direct slaughter lamb prices lower at R40.03 per kilogram. The average feeder lamb price in the Free State has risen to R43.01, with the price in the Western Cape at R41.43 per kilogram. Our expectation is still that prices may gradually rise until the end of June, when they usually peak. Currently, the forecast suggests we could reach R50 again, but stay tuned for our weekly overviews, as this can change quickly.
The A2/3 price continues to rise and maintain good levels at R98.67, while the C2/3 price increases further to R68.88 per kilogram. Ewes have averaged R1,846 per head, with rams averaging R2,243 per head. The expectation is that prices may reach a low point by mid-March and then sharply rise again until the end of June when we traditionally see a peak. The fact that prices are already at such good levels now could mean record prices this year. The question is whether we can surpass the R110 mark by early July, which is not far from current levels.
The RWS clean wool price dropped last week to R174.33 per kg, while non-RWS wool prices also decreased to R171.54 per kilogram. Wool prices in Australia fell by about 2%, with an average price of AUS $11.92 per kilogram. Strong demand from China and India disappeared from last week’s auctions, while European purchases remain relatively sparse. There are also major concerns that Italy, for example, has purchased about 31% less wool this season, which indicates a market struggling to grow. At the first mohair auction of 2025, there was also good competition, causing the market indicator to rise by about 7% to R359.42/kg.
The frozen ex-abattoir price rose last week to R33.38, fresh prices increased to R35.55, while the IQF price rose almost 4% to R33.42 per kilogram. The expectation is still that we may reach a low point by the end of March and then see an increase again in May and June.
Pork prices continue to fall as expected, but lower feed prices are offering some relief to our pig farmers. The latest bacon pork price decreased by 0.5% to R32.26, the pork price dropped by more than 2% to R32.79, while the latest sausage pork price also dropped by 0.5% to R25.01 per kilogram. The expectation is still that prices may remain in a gradual downward trend now and then see market support after winter, usually around mid-July.
Goat prices have increased in most cases over the past week, with the latest large goat price rising to R41.58, small goat prices rising to R50.32, and medium goat prices rising to R53.27, but we are seeing goat ewe prices dropping to R40.89 per kilogram. Goat prices are expected to start rising again before winter and then peak at the end of winter or early spring, usually falling towards Christmas.
The feed market remains under pressure, and we are seeing that the latest average Grade 1 lucerne price remains stable at R3,100 per ton, with prime domestic lucerne trading at R3,750, while Grade 2 lucerne traded at R2,500 last week. The import parity price for soymeal is trading at R11,119, with domestic prices currently between R8,300 and R8,500. Yellow maize prices also dropped to R4,900 per ton on Monday.
Chop prices also remain under pressure due to lower demand and oversupply in the market, with the average price dropping to R3,600 per ton, with prices as low as R3,400 also reported.
