Market Pulse: Livestock market emerges as standout performer

By Maile Matsimela

South Africa’s agricultural commodity markets continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience despite numerous challenges facing the sector. In a comprehensive market analysis for the week ending 6 June 2025, agricultural experts highlight significant price movements across various commodities that signal both opportunities and concerns for farmers nationwide.

“The agricultural sector is navigating a complex landscape of influences, from seasonal shifts to broader economic pressures, yet certain commodities are showing impressive strength,” notes Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB Commercial.

Livestock sector demonstrates robust growth

The livestock market has emerged as a standout performer, with beef prices recording substantial gains. Class A beef prices surged by an impressive 27.6% year-on-year, reflecting strong demand despite economic headwinds.

“The beef market’s performance represents a significant bright spot for producers who have weathered difficult conditions over the past few seasons,” explains Makube. “This upward trajectory is providing much-needed relief for cattle farmers who have faced rising input costs.”

Similarly, the sheep market has shown remarkable strength, with mutton and feeder lamb prices climbing more than 20% compared to the previous year. Makube attributes this to “a combination of sustained consumer demand for quality protein sources and relatively constrained supply conditions.”

The pork sector, while less dramatic in its gains, also demonstrated positive momentum with porker and baconer prices increasing by 5.6% and 6.4% year-on-year, respectively.

“Poultry market dynamics remain complex,” Makube points out. “Fresh whole birds and Individually quick-frozen products have seen significant price appreciation of 16.3% and 20.4% year-on-year, while import parity prices showed only marginal improvement, highlighting the competitive pressures in this segment.”

Volatility in horticultural markets

The fruit and vegetable sector presented a more varied picture, characterised by dramatic price swings that reflect seasonal factors, weather conditions and shifting supply-demand dynamics.

“Lettuce prices have more than doubled compared to last year, with an extraordinary year-on-year increase of 101.4%,” says Makube. “This exemplifies the volatility inherent in the vegetable market, where weather events and production cycles can rapidly transform market conditions.”

Other vegetables followed similar patterns of significant price increases, with tomatoes and cabbage also recording substantial gains over the past year.

The fruit market presented even more dramatic contrasts. “Mango prices have skyrocketed by 178.5% compared to the same period last year, while grape prices have declined by 27.3% year-on-year,” Makube notes. “These divergent trends underscore the importance of diversification strategies for horticultural producers.”

Grains and oilseeds: Mixed signals

The grains and oilseeds market showed a nuanced picture, with certain commodities gaining strength while others faced downward pressure.

“White maize prices have demonstrated remarkable resilience, with month-on-month growth of 7.9%,” explains Makube. “This reflects ongoing concerns about global grain supplies amid challenging production conditions in key growing regions.”

Yellow maize similarly showed positive momentum, while sunflower prices posted a modest 1.8% month-on-month increase.

“In contrast to the strength seen in maize and sunflower markets, soybean prices experienced a decline over the past month,” Makube observes. “This divergence highlights the complex interplay of global market forces that influence our local oilseed markets.”

Soft commodities and fibre show stability

The soft commodities and fibre markets presented a picture of relative stability amid broader market fluctuations.

“Global sugar prices experienced modest month-on-month declines of up to 5.7% for certain futures contracts,” says Makube. “However, South African wool and cotton prices demonstrated remarkable stability throughout the week, providing some certainty for producers in these sectors.”

Outlook and implications

Looking ahead, Makube suggests that farmers should remain vigilant to changing market conditions while focusing on efficiency and risk management.

“The current market environment presents both challenges and opportunities for South African agricultural producers,” he concludes. “Those who maintain flexibility in their operations while closely monitoring market signals will be best positioned to navigate the complex landscape we’re facing.”

For farmers, these market insights underscore the importance of adaptive strategies that respond to shifting consumer preferences, climate conditions, and global market forces. As the sector continues to evolve, staying informed about price trends and market dynamics remains essential for sustainable farming operations.

“Ultimately, the resilience we’re seeing in certain sectors of South African agriculture speaks to the fundamental strength and adaptability of our farming community,” Makube says. “Despite numerous challenges, there are clear opportunities for growth and profitability for those who approach the market strategically.”