South African agricultural markets are experiencing significant shifts across multiple sectors, with livestock prices showing mixed signals while grain and oilseed futures demonstrate varying momentum. Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB Commercial, provides critical insights into these market movements in his latest weekly agrimetrics analysis.
By Maile Matsimela
Livestock Markets
The beef market encountered substantial headwinds during the week ending 11 July 2025, with Class A beef prices experiencing a sharp weekly decline. According to Makube’s analysis, Class A beef prices dropped to R70.02 per kilogram, representing a significant 13.6% week-on-week decrease. Despite this immediate pressure, the year-on-year performance tells a different story, with prices showing a robust 25.1% increase compared with the same period last year.
The sheep market mirrored beef sector volatility, with Class A sheep prices declining 5.9% week on week to R98.89 per kilogram. However, Makube’s data indicates that mutton prices at R69.63 per kilogram remain elevated compared with historical averages, with year-on-year growth of 9.4% reflecting sustained consumer demand and supply constraints.
Pork producers are experiencing more favourable conditions, with porker prices showing modest weekly growth of 0.8% to reach R34.33 per kilogram. The year-on-year comparison reveals particularly strong performance at 7.8% growth, suggesting resilient demand in the domestic market.
The poultry sector demonstrates stability, with fresh whole birds maintaining steady pricing at R39.27 per kilogram, recording a minimal 0.4% weekly increase. Makube’s analysis highlights the sector’s consistent performance with year-on-year growth of 15.7%, indicating robust market fundamentals.
Grain And Oilseed
Makube’s examination of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) grain and oilseed futures market reveals divergent trends across different commodities. White maize futures for September 2025 delivery reached R5,122 per tonne, showing substantial month-on-month growth of 9.7%. This performance contrasts with yellow maize futures, which achieved R4,357 per tonne for September delivery, representing a more modest 2.4% monthly increase.
Sunflower seed futures present a different picture, with September contracts declining 1.2% month on month to R9,609 per tonne. This downward pressure suggests shifting dynamics in the oilseed complex, potentially reflecting global supply adjustments and changing demand patterns.
Soybean futures demonstrate resilience despite broader market volatility, with September contracts reaching R7,239 per tonne, marking a 3.2% monthly increase. The forward curve shows varying momentum across different delivery periods, with December 2025 contracts declining 3.5% month on month.
Fresh Produce Markets
Vegetable markets across South Africa’s major fresh produce centres are experiencing typical seasonal price movements, with several commodities showing significant volatility. Makube’s analysis of average prices across Pretoria, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban reveals complex dynamics affecting both prices and volumes.
Butternut prices have surged dramatically, reaching R6.18 per kilogram, representing an extraordinary 70.84% year-on-year increase. This exceptional performance reflects both seasonal factors and potential supply constraints affecting availability in major markets.
Tomato prices present a contrasting scenario, declining 20.51% week on week to R11.11 per kilogram despite maintaining a positive 14.28% year-on-year comparison. The substantial weekly price decline suggests increased seasonal supply reaching markets, providing relief to consumers after periods of elevated pricing.
Potato markets demonstrate ongoing challenges with prices at R5.31 per kilogram, showing both weekly and annual declines of 5.56% and 12.31% respectively. These price movements reflect the complex interplay between production cycles, storage capacity and market demand patterns.
Fruit Markets
The fruit sector shows varied performance across different commodities, with export markets playing a crucial role in price determination. Apple prices reached R9.42 per kilogram, experiencing a 16.02% weekly increase while maintaining a modest 6.2% year-on-year growth. Volume data indicates seasonal supply patterns with a 30.19% weekly decline in market volumes.
Avocado markets demonstrate particular strength, with prices reaching R18.04 per kilogram, marking a substantial 26.01% weekly increase and 17.9% year-on-year growth. This performance reflects both seasonal factors and strong export demand for South African avocados in international markets.
Grape prices have reached premium levels at R41.83 per kilogram, showing 9.33% weekly growth despite a 52.5% year-on-year decline. The substantial price premium reflects the end-of-season dynamics and quality considerations affecting market supply.
Fibre Markets
Wool markets demonstrate relative stability, according to Makube’s fibre market analysis. The wool market indicator maintained levels around R12.12 per kilogram, with various micron categories showing consistent pricing patterns. Premium fleece categories continue commanding strong prices, reflecting quality premiums in international markets.
Cotton markets show mixed signals, with derived South African cotton prices at R30.77 per kilogram, whereas international benchmarks indicate varying momentum across different contract months. The A Index remained at US$1.73 per kilogram, suggesting stable international demand conditions.
Feed Input Costs Influence Production Decisions
The cost structure for livestock and poultry producers reflects the complex dynamics affecting feed input prices. White maize futures across different delivery periods show substantial increases ranging from 8.6% to 9.7% month on month, creating cost pressures for intensive livestock operations.
Soybean meal and oil prices on international markets demonstrate varying trends, with implications for feed formulation costs. These input cost dynamics require careful consideration by producers managing their procurement strategies and production planning decisions.
