We are still relatively positive about the beef industry, with prices possibly continuing to trend upward until the end of the year. However, the average weaner calf price decreased last week to R33.90 per kilogram. Lighter calves under 200kg decreased to R34.56, while heavier calves over 250kg increased to R32.75. The average A2/3 carcass price remains steady at R52.88, while the C-grade price decreases to R45.38. I still believe that calf prices could rise as supply decreases slightly, and A and C-grade prices should also continue to trend upward until the end of the year.
Lamb prices decrease to R38.75 per kilogram, with supply currently much higher than the limited demand. I feel that prices may rise over the next month and a half due to lower supply and potential higher demand. However, from mid-November, prices may start to decline again. The A2/3 carcass price stabilizes at R85.40, while the C2/3 price decreases to R62.25. Higher interest rates compared to last year are putting a lot of pressure on demand, especially for sheep, as consumers have much less disposable income at the moment. Producers also have to absorb the significant input costs, a weaker Rand, load shedding, and high oil prices. This is forcing many producers out of the industry, and supply may decrease significantly over the next few years.
Local wool prices rise, with the RWS price at R167.66 and the non-RWS price rising to R154.50. Prices in Australia increased last week due to increased demand from India and Europe, forcing Chinese buyers to raise prices slightly to still make the necessary purchases. This is good news for our local market, which may also see some price increases.
The frozen chicken price continues to rise to R35.62, the fresh price decreases to R35.37, while the IQF price is higher at R32.60 per kilogram. Keep an eye on this market; chicken and egg prices may rise sharply due to local shortages soon.
The average baconer price continues to rise and is currently at R34.64, porker prices at R35.10, while the latest sausage price rises to R25.73 per kilogram. These prices are expected to continue to trend upward, especially if chicken and beef prices also trend upward.
Goat prices rise, with the large goat price at R51.43 per kilogram, small goats at R56.14, and goat ewe prices at R42.18. The expectation is still that these prices may continue to decline until the end of the year.
