Bay of Plenty vendors had their second opportunity to sell and prices were firm as good feed levels boosted confidence. However, the feature fair was the Wellsford heifers, as a big bench of buyers were very competitive. Per kilogram prices for traditional and exotic-cross firmed to $2.90-$3.10/kg though some lines achieved $3.30-$3.40/kg. Rangiuru reached $2.70-$3.10/kg, while at most other yards traditional and exotic-cross heifers traded at $2.50-$2.75/kg. Steers of both breed categories generally returned $3.25-$3.55/kg last week. At the South Island sales, heavier calves attracted more attention and, in some instances, sold for higher $/kg than longer-term lines. Most yards have been able to achieve close to a full clearance, though a cautious air has meant that it is the vendors who are meeting the market.
Wellsford weaner heifer, March 15
Heifers numbered 660 head and annual draft traditional and Charolais were well-contested. The market strengthened on 2020, though average weights were back with traditional heifers 35kg lighter at 195kg, $625. Exotic heifers were 5kg lighter at 225kg, but strengthened to $660. Angus and Angus-Hereford, 188-274kg, earned $580-$795 with Angus, 140-176kg, $420-$520. Charolais, 187-240kg, fetched $600-$715.
Kauri weaner heifer, March 16
Six hundred beef-cross were penned and most of the competition came from local buyers. Autumn-born Charolais-cross sold for $750-$800 and top spring-born beef-cross, $700-$750. Medium to light types traded at $600-$680 and $550-$590 respectively, while tail-end and young returned $450-$500.
Kaikohe weaner heifer, March 17
One thousand heifers were presented and sold on a strong market. Big spring-born Angus and exotic weaners made $2.65-$2.75/kg. Two-hundred-and-sixty kilogram calves were in demand and the top-end reached $3.10-$3.20/kg. Lighter types lost momentum and fetched $2.50/kg to $2.75/kg.
Rangiuru weaner, March 17
Over half the yarding was traditional and the balance exotic, and good feed levels brought buyers to market. The top line of Hereford bulls was 303kg and $1190, and the remainder traded from $570 to $960. Friesian bulls, 156-187kg, fetched $460-$555. Angus steers, 285-317kg, achieved $930-$1010, while others traded at $600-$810. Charolais-cross, 209-270kg, sold for $735-$895 and Hereford-Friesian, 234-265kg, $610-$820. The top-priced heifers were 288kg Angus at $850, trailed by 200kg and over lines at $650-$800.
Broadwood weaner, March 12, 18
One-thousand-six-hundred steers and bulls were yarded on Friday, March 12, and buyers varied from local to Gisborne and King Country. Charolais bulls ranged from $3.10-$3.30/kg and the top line, 315kg, made $1040. Lighter Charolais and Angus steers traded at $3.20-$3.40/kg. Top heifers last Thursday featured Simmental-cross and Angus at $2.70-$2.80/kg. Charolais, 250-280kg, fetched $2.50-$2.60/kg and medium $2.40-$2.50/kg. A good line of 330kg autumn-born Limousin sold for $2.51/kg.
Taranaki first-run weaner, March 18
Charolais and Simmental steers sold to strong demand at $1000-$1040 and second cuts, $915-$970. Heavier Angus and Hereford-cross steers realised $800-$900, but Charolais bulls reached $1070, $3.96/kg. The average value for exotic heifers lifted to $645 and the top Charolais achieved $835-$910, over $200 above 2020. Weights were lighter for traditional though the top end held at $650-$740.
Feilding weaner, March 18
Results were mainly strong for 1000 weaners, and buyers largely operated on per kilogram pricing. Traditional steers, 180-290kg, earned $3.25-$3.55/kg and South Devon, 240-280kg, $3.35-$3.60/kg. Top lines of even-marked Simmental-cross bulls, 245-365kg, earned $3.30-$3.55/kg and other 195-320kg bulls $2.80-$3.10/kg. Capital stock Angus heifers, 235-250kg, sold for $3.01/kg, $710-$760. Other breeds were softer – 185-230kg mainly $2.45-$2.65/kg and 240-300kg, $2.65-$2.80/kg.
Owaka calf sale, March 18
The sale consisted of 700 calves, most of which were annual consignment exotic-cross, though traditional lines made a small appearance. Strong support from Southland to South Otago meant the season got off to a good start on medium to heavy calves, though bidding was cautious on longer-term lines. Better calves improved by $60 on 2020 and most fell in the 200-350kg range. Top steers and bulls sold up to $3.60-$3.68/kg, and medium lines traded around $3.10-$3.30/kg. Heifers were variable – one line of 266kg Angus achieved $850, $3.16/kg, while most annual consignments traded at $2.50-$2.70/kg and new vendors, $2.30-$2.40/kg.
Culverden calf sale, March 19
The week finished at Culverden, where 513 traditional and exotic-cross calves were penned. Good quality, well-bred calves sold well, though buyers were selective on the balance. Traditional steers, 160-250kg, made $3.05-$3.25/kg, though some earned $2.70-$2.80/kg. Charolais-cross sold for $3.10-$3.37/kg and heifers, $2.60-$2.90/kg. Traditional heifers made $2.43-$2.64/kg.
