South Africa’s pet food industry has in recent months defied constrained economic growth, a volatile local currency, declining but stable grains sector and muted political uncertainty to post growth and even attract investment from key manufacturers in the country.
The sheep farming area of Beaufort West is suffering from extreme water shortages, and the government and agricultural experts have warned that the price of red meat is set to soar.
Summer weather could encourage more braaiing, supporting prices. Internationally, record levels of animal protein weighs on the poultry and beef markets, whilst demand from China for lamb and pork remains strong.
Funding constraints have hobbled Agriculture Research Council plans to manufacture a vaccine for foot and mouth disease, leaving SA reliant on costly imports from Botswana.
Port Elizabeth – The wool market traded lower at this week’s auction and the Cape Wools Merino Indicator decreased by 5.6% and by 1,362 points to close at a value of R229,28/kg (Clean). The Australian EMI lost 2,8% this week. The Cape Wools All Wool Indicator declined 5,6%.
