Thursday, March 28, 2024

Taranaki cattle fair, dairy beef weaner fair 10.01, 11.01

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 Rain proved to be liquid gold for the Taranaki cattle fair, as the market responded with at least a $150 lift for 1-year steers, and strong returns for older lines. Weaner prices on Thursday returned to levels seen at the end of November.
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While this sale was a fair it was much smaller than expected at 318 head, due to the rain and high throughput towards the end of 2017.

Manawatu and King Country buyers were present and very active, though local buyers also gave them a run for their money, and the sale was completed within the hour.

A capital stock consignment of 2-year Hereford steers set the tone for the sale. Sold in five lines of 12 to 27 head the heavier end, 498-574kg, traded at $2.88-$2.94/kg, though the next cuts, 459-486kg, sold for a premium at $2.98-$3.02/kg. One small line of Hereford-Friesian also managed $3.01/kg.

A phenomenal improvement in prices for 1-year Hereford-Friesian steers was the real talking point, with 40-60c/kg added to December 13th prices for lines 375-408kg. Most traded at $2.96-$3.01/kg, while 300-364kg returned $2.99-$3.03/kg.

In contrast the heifer pens were very mixed in quality which was reflected in the prices.

Weaner numbers grew to 1250 head as more confidence in prices drew more to sale.

Friesian bulls were in the minority as the early born numbers slow, replaced by a larger number of Hereford-dairy bulls, steers and heifers.

A price ceiling of $600 sat on the Hereford-Friesian bulls as 110-140kg sold for $520-$600, and 100-108kg, $480-$555. Hereford-Jersey, 110-120kg, returned $450-$500.

Of the 730 bulls penned just 30% were Friesian – the smallest percentage this season. A good number weighed in at 130-165kg, and sold for $515-$590, while 115kg and under consistently sold above $4.20/kg.

Steers had a good following and prices for Hereford-Friesian, 110-130kg, were similar to the bulls at $560-$590.

There was plenty to choose from in the heifer pens for those in the market and 116-140kg Hereford-Friesian, sold for $480-$540 though some 105kg pens of good quality also made that range. Most other lines, 100kg plus, fetched $450-$470. Angus-Friesian, 102-107kg, fetched $410-$430, and Hereford Jersey, $360-$460.

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