In 2025, South Africa’s livestock sector exhibited a complex blend of resilience and constraint, shaped by weather recovery, market dynamics, disease threats, and shifting producer strategies. While prices in many categories strengthened and demand remained robust, the overall number of animals marketed – especially in formal channels – fell and structural issues persisted. By examining livestock auctions, price movements, marketing volumes, and economic pressures throughout the year, a balanced picture emerges of a sector navigating recovery after difficult seasons.