South Africa’s livestock sector enters 2026 under pressure as feed, fuel and veterinary inputs remain expensive. Grain-based feed has climbed with global commodity prices, squeezing feedlot margins and raising beef and dairy production costs.
South Africa’s domestic food demand has barely grown over the past decade as household incomes remain strained. This means local markets alone cannot sustain agricultural expansion. Instead, exports continue to be the sector’s main growth engine, particularly for citrus, table grapes, avocados and high-value vegetables.
Across South Africa, farmers are adopting regenerative agriculture to reduce costs and restore declining soils.