A drop in store lamb numbers was predicted but not appreciated by buyers as Mid Canterbury buyer numbers in the market is growing. Demand was strong across all weights, though none more so than the light cryptorchid lambs which sold for $77-$87. In the mixed sex pens good lines lifted and traded at $98.50-$112, medium types returned $86-$100.
The prime market also made positive movements as lamb prices firmed $3-$10 on the back of limited supply. Most of the trading happened in a $111-$167 range, with big numbers making $130-$148.
A two-fold effect of numbers dropping and guaranteed rain from Gita meant ewe prices also firmed, and a small top end sold to $182-$204. Most traded at $100-$169, though there was a smaller offering of lighter ewes that made $60-$99.
Local trade and prime cattle prices improved as orders from the North Island were filled.
Angus and Hereford steers, 485-620kg, sold on a steady to firm market at $2.80-$2.86/kg, but it was the heifer market that was the highlight, with prices lifting around 5c/kg for Angus, 538-645kg, while all Hereford, from 438kg through to 595kg, sold over a tight range of $2.74-$2.85/kg.
The bulls were not to be left behind, and Friesian, 564-588kg, firmed to $2.76-$2.83/kg, with returns also very positive for Jersey. The beef bulls sold on a steady market as Angus, 535-845kg, made $2.70-$2.80/kg, and Hereford, 503-615kg, $2.80-$2.93/kg.
A good balance of supply and demand is helping keep boner prices on par at very pleasing levels for vendors. The heavy, good yielding lines of Friesian sold to $1.86-$2.00/kg, with 450-513kg of medium condition earning $1.81-$1.90/kg. Few sold below that level. Heifer prices had a bit more variance as the better types made $2.50-$2.65/kg, though lesser lines, 309-376kg, varied from $1.81/kg through to $2.20/kg.
Angus cows were also a highlight, with 623-663kg fetching $2.19-$2.22/kg.
