Looking at beef prices, the average weaner calf price has further declined to R33.77 per kilogram, lighter calves under 200kg remain stable at R34.50, while heavier calves above 250kg have sharply decreased to R31.80. The average A2/3 carcass price is stable at R52.54, while the C-grade price has risen to R45.42. Currently, it appears that lower demand may have a negative effect, especially on A-grade and weaner calf prices until the end of the year, potentially keeping prices stable rather than in an upward trend. However, C-grade prices still have good upward potential until the end of the year.

Good news for our sheep farmers is that feeder lamb prices have increased slightly last week to R38.91 per kilogram, with prices closer to Gauteng and Cape Town selling above R40. However, the A2/3 carcass price has further declined to R84, while the C2/3 price is down to R61.25. Current projections suggest that we may see prices drop below R80 for A-grade prices by mid-November, but possibly rebound from there towards the end of the year. Lamb prices may remain at current levels for the next month but could decline over the second half of November, December, and January.

There was no local wool auction, but unfortunately, prices in Australia decreased last week, despite demand from India, Europe, and Italy. However, Chinese demand was slightly lower, causing the market to decline somewhat.

The frozen poultry price is down to R35.15, the fresh price is at R35.08, and the IQF price is lower at R32.37 per kilogram. Keep an eye on this market; chicken and egg prices may increase sharply due to local shortages soon, although cheap imports may counteract the rise.

The average baconer price continues to rise and is currently at R35.60, porker prices are at R36.50, and the latest sausage price has risen to R26.08 per kilogram. It appears that porker prices may reach a peak between R38 and R39 this season, with baconer prices possibly facing resistance around R37.

Goat prices are on the rise, with large goats at R58.27 per kilogram, small goats at R58.07, and goat ewe prices decreasing to R41.11. The expectation is still that these prices may continue to trend downward until the end of the year.