Sheep Prices in South Africa (2026): Lamb, Mutton and Breeding Stock

Sheep prices in South Africa are strong in 2026. At the end of September, A2/3 lamb carcasses were selling for about R106 to R110/kg, feeder lambs for about R53 to R56/kg live weight, and mutton for about R80 to R89/kg. Breeding stock has followed: good commercial rams of most breeds now cost R7,000 to R18,000 at auction, and top stud rams far more.

This guide brings the main sheep prices together in one place: slaughter lamb, mutton and feeder lamb prices, what drives them, what a lamb is worth, how breeding ewes and rams are priced for the Dorper, Meatmaster, Merino and Dohne Merino, and what the market expects for the rest of the year.

Sheep Prices in South Africa at a Glance

Slaughter lamb and mutton prices are quoted per kilogram of carcass, while feeder lamb prices are per kilogram of live weight. Prices exclude VAT and change every week, so always check the latest figures before you buy or sell.

1. How Sheep Prices in South Africa Work

Sheep are sold into three main markets, and each is priced differently:

• Slaughter lambs and sheep are sold to abattoirs and paid per kilogram of carcass. The price depends on the age class (A for young lambs with no permanent incisors, up to C for older sheep) and the fat class, with 2 and 3 being the fat classes that earn the best prices.
• Feeder lambs, also called store lambs, are sold on live weight to feedlots and finishers, who grow them out before slaughter.
• Breeding ewes and rams are sold per head at auctions or privately. Their price depends on breed, age, quality, pregnancy status and, for rams, genetics and records.

Market analysts such as AMT and the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation (RPO) publish weekly reports on slaughter and feeder lamb prices, and AgriOrbit publishes weekly farm-gate prices from Absa and the RPO.

2. Lamb and Mutton Prices in 2026

According to Absa’s AgriTrends report, summarised by Farmer’s Weekly on 1 October 2026, lamb prices in July 2026 were 5.5% higher than a year earlier, and mutton prices 8.7% higher. Absa expects class A lamb to average R105.59/kg in 2026, up from R102.88/kg in 2025, and class C mutton to average R80.09/kg, up from R74.03/kg.

At the end of September, prices were in line with those forecasts. AMT reported A2/3 lamb at R106.10/kg and C2/3 mutton at R79.63/kg on 30 September, while farm-gate figures from Absa and the RPO, published by AgriOrbit, put A2/3 lamb at R108.57/kg and C2/3 at R88.87/kg on 28 September. The RPO’s report for the week ending 18 September put the A2 lamb carcass price at R109.63/kg, almost unchanged from a year earlier.

Mutton has risen faster than lamb this year, partly because farmers are keeping their older ewes to rebuild their flocks instead of sending them to slaughter.

3. Feeder Lamb Prices

Feeder lamb prices, the part of sheep prices that matters most to many commercial lamb producers, have also had a good year. AMT reported a national average of R56.26/kg live weight on 30 September 2026, up 3% on the previous week, with regional averages of R57.37/kg in the Western Cape, R56.65/kg in the Free State and R46.66/kg in the Northern Cape.

The RPO’s week 38 report showed a dip to R54.71/kg after a rise in the number of lambs coming onto the market, but the price was still 8.9% higher than a year before. Absa forecasts an average feeder lamb price of R50.01/kg for 2026 and R52.03/kg for 2027, compared with R46.61/kg in 2025.

4. Why Sheep Prices Are High in 2026

• Flock rebuilding. After years of drought in many sheep areas, good summer rains in 2025/26 improved grazing, and farmers are keeping ewes and ewe lambs to rebuild their flocks. Absa notes that rebuilding a flock usually takes two to four years, depending on the season.
• Fewer sheep from neighbouring countries. AMT notes that foot-and-mouth disease in Namibia has stopped livestock exports from there, and Botswana remains closed for exports. It described the sheep market as one of the first that could react strongly to Namibia’s inability to export livestock.
• Tight meat supply. With fewer sheep being slaughtered, abattoirs and feedlots compete for the animals that are available.

On the other side, Absa warns that consumer affordability is limiting how much higher meat prices can go. Lamb is an expensive meat for many households, and demand weakens quickly when prices rise too far.

5. What Is a Lamb Worth?

Here is a rough guide to what current sheep prices mean per animal, using the late-September 2026 figures. Your actual price will depend on the weight, grade and condition of your lambs, your buyer and your selling costs.

Lambs that are too lean or too fat are graded down and earn less per kilogram, so getting lambs to the right weight and fat class makes a real difference. Selling through an auction also costs commission, and transport to the abattoir or feedlot comes off your income. For rations, creep feeding and weaning, see our guide to feeding sheep.

6. Breeding Sheep Prices by Breed

Sheep prices for breeding stock vary widely by breed, quality and region. These are published results from 2026 auctions:

Most of these results were reported by African Farming. For more detail on each breed, see our comparisons of Dorper vs Meatmaster and Merino vs Dohne Merino, and our guides to Meatmaster sheep and Ile de France sheep.

7. What It Costs to Start a Small Flock

Using the 2026 sheep prices above, here is the approximate buying cost of 50 commercial ewes and two rams. It excludes transport, health checks and any registration costs.

These are averages from single auctions, so your costs may be higher or lower. Pregnant ewes, ewes with lambs and stud animals all cost more. A Merino flock also needs shearing and wool handling, while Dorpers and Meatmasters are hair sheep and do not. For more on the main wool breed, see our guide to Merino sheep.

Sheep Price Outlook for the Rest of 2026

• The RPO’s week 38 report expected lamb carcass prices of about R108/kg in October, with a likely range of R98 to R120/kg, and feeder lambs of about R55/kg, with a range of R49 to R63/kg. It expected prices to come under some pressure in the weeks ahead, with a sharp seasonal rise in December.
• Absa forecasts average lamb prices of R107.11/kg, mutton prices of R83.89/kg and feeder lamb prices of R52.03/kg for 2027, all slightly higher than in 2026.
• AMT expects reduced supplies from Namibia and Botswana to keep supporting prices if those restrictions continue.

Lamb demand usually peaks over the festive season, so farmers who can time their sales for December often get better prices. Disease outbreaks, a dry season or weaker consumer demand could all change the picture, so treat forecasts as a guide only.

How to Get Better Sheep Prices

• Hit the right weight and fat class. Ask your abattoir what carcass weight and fat class it pays best for, and plan your feeding to get there.
• Sell even groups. Lots of similar age, weight and condition sell better than mixed groups.
• Watch the weekly prices. Follow the RPO and AMT reports and avoid selling in a panic when prices dip.
• Time your sales. Plan lambing so that you have lambs ready when demand is strong, especially before December.
• Cut your losses. Every extra lamb weaned is income for almost no extra cost. Good ewe nutrition, predator control and lambing management matter more than a few rand per kilogram.
• Use the right genetics. A good ram improves every lamb you sell. Our guide to sheep farming in South Africa covers breeding, feeding and health in more detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of lamb per kg in South Africa?

At the end of September 2026, A2/3 lamb carcasses sold for about R106 to R110/kg, depending on the source. AMT reported R106.10/kg on 30 September, and farm-gate figures from Absa and the RPO were R108.57/kg.

What is the price of a sheep in South Africa?

It depends on the type of sheep. A slaughter lamb with a 20 kg carcass is worth about R2,100 at late-September 2026 prices. Commercial breeding ewes sold for roughly R2,200 to R5,100 at 2026 auctions, and commercial rams for about R7,800 to R18,000.

How much is a feeder lamb worth?

Feeder lambs averaged R56.26/kg live weight on 30 September 2026, according to AMT. A 30 kg feeder lamb would be worth about R1,690.

Why are sheep prices so high in 2026?

Farmers are rebuilding flocks after drought, Namibia cannot export livestock because of foot-and-mouth disease, Botswana remains closed for exports, and meat supplies are tight.

What is the difference between A and C grade sheep?

The letter is the age class. A-grade carcasses come from young lambs with no permanent incisors, while C-grade carcasses come from older sheep with more permanent teeth. A-grade lamb earns a much higher price per kilogram than C-grade mutton.

When is the best time to sell lambs?

Demand and prices are usually strongest before December. Plan lambing and feeding so that your lambs are at the right weight and condition when the market is strongest.

Which sheep breed is the most expensive to buy?

Among the 2026 auctions in this guide, Dohne Merino rams had the highest averages, at about R17,700 to R18,200. Top rams of several breeds sold for R50,000 or more.

Final Thoughts

Sheep prices in South Africa are in a strong position in 2026, with lamb above R105/kg, mutton up sharply and breeding stock in demand as farmers rebuild their flocks. That is good news for sellers, but it also means buyers need to choose carefully and pay for quality, not just numbers. If you are building or expanding a flock, have a look at our Dorper sheep, Meatmaster sheep and Merino sheep for sale, or send us your requirements and we will get back to you with a written quote, including delivery to your farm.