The top male lambs sold to $140-$166, while the bulk of the ewe lambs traded at $104-$139. Evidence of ewe scanning was in the pens, in the form of heavy dry ewes, and with prices steady, buyers were hard pressed to purchase many under $90. Heavy types sold for $110-$117, and medium-good, $91-$108.
Annual draft Angus steers from Wairoa continue to come out, and the interest for these came from both the processor and farmer corners, ensuring bidding was spirited. With just a few lines to pick from buyers needed to be competitive, and for the vendor, returns are slightly better this year, with 2-5c/kg added to 2016 levels. The two main lines, 499-530kg (empty weight), returned $3.12-$3.19/kg, with four Angus bulls making $2.74/kg, and heifers, $2.79-$2.83/kg.
