Demand for store stock was grass driven and prices were exceptional, Stephen Sutton from New Zealand Farmer’s Livestock reported.
A total of 330 cattle were offered on Tuesday, with the majority ex-service bulls. Demand was high for carry-over Hereford bulls, with 2-year, 530-625kg, earning $3.30-$3.48/kg, and 18-month, 400-500kg, $1700. Jersey lines of similar age were also purchased for herds, and at 305-547kg, made $2.09-$2.52/kg. The remainder of the offering sold above schedule, with heavy primes making $2.65-$2.76/kg, and high yielding Murray Grey, 670-690kg, $2.85-$2.89/kg. Cow numbers were limited to 50 head, and with demand from those looking for cows to farm on, prices were high. Devon-cross, 385-468kg, made $2.02-$2.35/kg, and Angus, 448kg, $2.38/kg. Friesian boner cows sold for $1.62-$1.76/kg.
Wednesday saw 900 head in for the cattle fair, and Manawatu and Wanganui buyers dominated. A consignment of 100 2.5-year hill country Hereford steers made a premium, with 450-570kg trading at $2.95-$3.05/kg, with most other beef lines making $2.80-$3.00/kg. Beef-Friesian were not far behind at $2.80-$2.90/kg. Buyers lifted their game for the 15-month steers, and $900-$1280 was common for quality lines of beef-Friesian, and Hereford. The heifer market was sound, and 2.5-year Hereford-Friesian, 377-507kg, made $2.64-$2.73/kg, while around 100 18-month Hereford-Friesian, 273-376kg, fetched $880-$1120.
A yarding of 1650 dairy-beef weaners were sold on Thursday. Bull prices were steady, and of the 600 Friesian bulls offered, very few sold under $480, with 150-180kg lines earning $600-$650, and Hereford Friesian, $580-$680. Angus-Friesian were not far off the pace at $550-$640. The heifer market eased and most traded at $480-$520.
