South African ostrich farmers receiving more - August 2008

Main ostrich processors in South Africa have pushed up the price paid to farmers by up to 20% during August 2008. Other ostrich leather and meat producers accept they will have to do the same to maintain supply. Pricing given for a bird, depending on meat, skin and feather grading has topped +/- ZAR 2800.00 per bird. 

One of the main reasons for the price increase was to assist the increasing feed and fuel costs on the farm. 

Many South African ostrich farmers have stopped ostrich farming due to challenging periods where meat exports were halted twice during the past three years and increasing input farming costs.

Concerns in the market are that the costing will need to be passed onto leather and meat prices at some time. The weakening South Africa Rand has alleviated immediate price increases, but may not be sufficient to hold the increases for much longer.

Source S&V African Leather.