There was plenty of chatter around Mycoplasma bovis affecting these sales but it appears that has not been as significant as expected, especially in areas such as Bay of Plenty, which have not had any positive tests for the disease. Simon Rouse from PGG Wrighston reported they have actually seen an increase in the volume of calves despite a record season of 10,000 head last year. The quality of the calves in this area is among the best seen and most hit the yards at two to five-weeks of age.
The Friesian bull market tracked a similar path to last year by starting off strong and remaining so until now when the later calves are coming out. Beef-dairy calves have not been as strong as 2017’s record prices though this year’s are thought to be more sustainable. Heifer prices have been all over the show as buyers are very selective. Taranaki has followed a very similar path to Reporoa.
Through Waikato and at the Frankton sale yards calf numbers are down and a lot more have been sold in the paddocks, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Stuart Wells reported. However, given the size of the dairy herd in the area some sale days have still seen 1000 calves yarded. Most calves are coming in at 10-days old which is rewarding vendors and there has also been a noted increase in the use of Angus bulls as opposed to Hereford to produce solid-colour calves.
Early Friesian bull calves started strong with many buyers working towards 100kg contracts for October at $530-$550. Prices at auction did plateau, reflecting the decreasing 100kg, though about $500-$520 is still offered for November. Beef-dairy prices have been solid and look set to remain so. Like Reporoa, though, heifers have been much more variable.
