Welcome to this week’s AMT Meat Price Overview, proudly brought to you by John Deere.
Sheep and goat prices dropped last week, raising the question: has the turning point in the market arrived?
Wool prices appear to have reached a new, more comfortable level for both buyers and sellers, while pork and poultry prices may be nearing their seasonal peaks. As expected, weaner calf prices continued to climb.
But where could prices move as we head toward the festive season? Let’s take a closer look.
🐮 Calf and Beef Market Update
As anticipated, the national average weaner calf price (200–250 kg) rose last week to R38.44 per kg, while the Top 40% commercial average increased to R41.17.
- Heifer calves: R37.45
- Bull calves: R39.13
Regional averages show:
- Free State: R38.38
- Western Cape: R36.50
- Eastern Cape: R39.57
As discussed previously, calf prices should remain supported until mid-November, though a slight correction may occur in December as feedlot demand slows.
Overall, prices are expected to stay between R38 and R40 per kg for the remainder of the year.
🥩 Beef Carcass Prices
The official A2/3 carcass price and AMT survey price are now nearly identical at R71.80 and R71.75 per kg, excluding the Northern Cape, where prices are around R65.
Meanwhile, C-grade carcasses rose to R62 per kg due to lower supply and strong demand.
With recent Foot and Mouth Disease outbreaks likely to limit supply further, prices could get additional support heading into Christmas.
Expect A-grade slaughter prices to rise slightly in November and increase sharply in December.
🐑 Sheep Market
The average store lamb price dropped to R49.96 per kg, while heavier slaughter lambs traded at R50.55.
In the provinces:
- Free State: R50.74
- Eastern Cape: R48.80
Seasonal trends still point to softer prices through December, especially if more lambs enter the market — particularly store lambs.
Last week’s drop might mark a potential turning point, but we’ll have more certainty next week.
The A2/3 carcass price fell to R106.81 per kg, with C2/3 lower at R82.91.
AMT’s survey shows R106.43 for A-grade and R78 for C-grade carcasses.
We might see slightly lower slaughter prices over the next few weeks as more animals come to market, followed by a rebound in December when demand improves.
🐑 Wool Market
Wool prices continued to soften last week:
- 20-micron RWS wool: R203/kg
- Non-RWS 20-micron: R186/kg
- Average RWS price: R202.34/kg
In Australia, prices fell 29 cents to AUS $14.27/kg.
Demand for finer wool types was weaker, while stronger wools showed more stability.
European demand remains subdued, but Chinese buying interest is recovering.
Buyers and sellers seem more comfortable at current price levels, suggesting the market could stabilize here.
🐐 Goat Market
Similar to sheep, most goat prices dropped sharply last week — possibly signaling the market’s turning point. Seasonal patterns still indicate softer prices heading into December.
- Large goats: R46.57/kg
- Small goats: R60.46/kg
- Goat ewes: R46.48/kg
🍗 Poultry Market
The frozen ex-abattoir chicken price rose to R35.01/kg, while fresh chicken increased by 1% to R41.04/kg.
IQF chicken remained stable at R35.65/kg.
Frozen prices may be near their seasonal peak, especially considering the decline in U.S. prices and a stronger rand.
Fresh prices — more influenced by local supply and demand — still have room to rise as we approach the festive season.
🐖 Pork Market
Pork prices saw another sharp increase last week:
- Baconers: R37.81/kg
- Porkers: R38.08/kg
- Sausage pigs: R29.35/kg
Seasonal trends suggest that baconer prices are nearing their peak, while porkers could still see a small upward move.
🥚 Dairy and Feed
- Graded eggs: R21.70 per dozen
- Ungraded eggs: R17.70 per dozen
- Milk price: R6.95 per litre
Lucerne prices:
- Grade 1: R3,800/ton
- Grade 2: R3,500/ton
- Prime: R4,400/ton
Chop prices remained steady at R3,300 per ton, though resistance at these levels seems to be increasing.
🚜 Closing Thoughts
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I’m Dr. Johnny van der Merwe, and thank you for tuning in to the AMT Meat Price Overview.