The article explains the reasons behind the increasing price gap between carcass and weanling calf or lamb prices, as discussed by Prof Frikkie Maré at the Rooivleis Abattoirvereniging (RVAV) congress. He highlights that the margin on a cattle carcass is only 34% throughout the value chain, while it can reach 30% for other products in retail. The widening price gap is due to factors such as high maize prices, economic challenges, and load shedding, which have more significantly impacted weaner calves and lambs. Despite the challenges, Prof Maré stresses the importance of exporting more meat to countries with higher paying currencies to secure better prices, arguing that a national traceability system is crucial for regaining access to export markets and raising the value of the red meat industry.