This comprehensive analysis of the FNB AgriCommodities Weekly Trends report for the week ending 22 August 2025 presents key market movements across South Africa’s agricultural sectors. The report, compiled by Paul Makube, Senior Agricultural Economist at FNB Commercial, provides critical insights into livestock, grain, oilseed and fresh produce markets.

By Maile Matsimela, Digital Editor at African Farming

Livestock Markets Show Strong Performance

The livestock sector demonstrated robust performance across most categories during the reporting period. According to the data compiled under Makube’s economic analysis, beef markets showed particularly strong momentum with Class A beef prices increasing by 2.8% week-on-week, adding R1.98 per kilogram.

Key Livestock Movements

Beef Sector: Weaner calves led the gains with a 3.1% week-on-week increase (+R1.15), while import parity prices fell slightly by 0.9% (-R0.60).
Sheep Market: Class A sheep prices rose 1.0% week-on-week (+R1.00), with mutton showing stronger gains of 3.0% (+R2.32).
Pork Prices: Porker prices increased 2.2% week-on-week (+R0.78), while baconer prices rose modestly by 0.4% (+R0.13).
Poultry Stability: Fresh whole birds gained 0.7% (+R0.26), with IQF chicken up 0.3% (+R0.09)

Grains and Oilseeds Face Pressure

The grains and oilseeds sector showed mixed performance with maize futures experiencing notable declines. White maize December 2025 futures dropped 4.7% month-on-month, while yellow maize futures fell 3.3% over the same period.

Grains Performance

Soybeans: December 2025 soybean futures gained 1.7% month-on-month, showing resilience.
Sunflower: Maintained relative stability with minimal monthly changes.
Wheat: Showed mixed trends influenced by global market dynamics.

Fresh Produce Markets Volatile

The fresh produce sector exhibited significant volatility, with dramatic price swings across various commodities. Makube’s analysis reveals stark contrasts between different produce categories.

Vegetable Market Highlights

Tomatoes: Experienced a sharp 24.83% week-on-week decline, with year-on-year prices down 46.12%.
Lettuce: Dropped 18.56% week-on-week.
Cabbage: Fell 11.59% week-on-week.
Butternut: Showed exceptional year-on-year growth of 62.97%.
Potatoes: Declined significantly with year-on-year prices down 50.61%.

Fruit Market Performance

Mangoes: Led fruit price gains with a remarkable 51.4% year-on-year increase and 4.28% week-on-week growth.
Avocados: Maintained relative stability.
Pears: Experienced an 11.2% year-on-year decline.