In this week’s Livestock Price Overview, it seems we might see slightly lower slaughter prices for beef in the short term, while pork prices are rising.
The latest average weaner calf price dropped by 1% to R32.15 per kilogram, which is now almost 4% higher than a year ago. The price in Mpumalanga fell to R33, while the price in Natal remained at R33.50. It looks like the price might decrease further over the next week, but this is not a concern as the price will likely start to rise again afterwards. The A2/3 carcass price increased to R55.18, with the C-grade price recovering to R43.76. We might see slightly lower slaughter prices in the short term, but prices should recover again in the winter to above the R55 mark.
In the sheep market, the latest feeder lamb price increased by 0.5% to R40.42 per kilogram, which is about 4% lower than a year ago. The price in the Northern and Eastern Free State traded higher at R42.39 per kilogram, while the price in the Southern and Central Free State remained at R40.00. We expect lamb prices to remain in an upward trend until mid-August, possibly encountering resistance between R44 and R45. The A2/3 price fell to R82.69, while the C2/3 price rose to R54.92. The A2 price dropped to R84.25, and the A3 price fell to R81.13. These prices might continue to decrease slightly over the next week or two. However, the C-grade price could increase sharply due to better demand as we move into winter.
In the wool industry, the non-RWS price increased to R148.52, while the RWS price fell to R165.78 per kilogram. Wool prices in Australia remain stable despite a stronger exchange rate in Australia. This could mean good news for us this week with better demand and a possible weaker exchange rate supporting prices. The latest average mohair price also decreased due to the stronger Rand and traded at R392.62.
Poultry prices dropped last week with the frozen price at R34.83, fresh prices falling to R34.77, and the IQF price dropping sharply to R29.92. It looks like we might see a low point for these prices by the end of June, after which we could enter an upward trend again from July.
The latest baconer price rose to R30.80 last week, porker prices increased to R31.37, while the latest sausage pig price dropped to R23.99 per kilogram. However, it looks like this increase will be short-lived, and prices might remain suppressed until around mid-July.
It was not a good week for the goat industry, with prices dropping sharply. The latest large goat price fell to R39.82, small goats dropped to R49.82, while doe prices fell to R37.41 per kilogram. Prices could possibly recover, and we still expect them to remain in a supportive environment until August.
In the feed market, the latest chop price is now at R3500 per ton, while grade 1 lucerne prices remain at R3300 per ton. Soybean meal prices are trading at R8983, sunflower meal at R6000, and cottonseed meal at R6650.
