There was more bad news for dairy farmers, because those using the saleyards to increase cash-flow were hit hard in the pocket. Cows flooded the market with more than 800 offered, and coupled with falling schedules and no space, prices fell 25-30 cpk.
Friesian and Friesian-cross, 408-550kg, made $1.20-$1.30/kg, 550kg-plus $1.10-$1.20/kg. Friesian-cross, less than 450kg, earned just $0.90-$1.11/kg. The news was just as grim in other sections with traditional heifer prices back to $2.43/kg, while Friesian, 394-467kg, made $2.21-$2.27/kg. The better steers sold for $2.50-$2.53/kg, bulls $2.30-$2.38/kg.
Prime sheep pens offered up no good news either with a similar story emerging. No prime lambs sold over $100, with $70-$99 the range. Ewes were discounted further, with the lion’s share making $20-$59, tops $60-$80.
A quality line-up of store lambs sold to firm demand, as more Mid Canterbury cropping farmers came on stream. While the top level price held at $70, lower weighted ewe and mixed-sex lambs sold above market value. Most lambs sold between $60 and $70 with a small tail end at $40-$59.
