Tuakau hosted a 15-18month steer fair on Thursday but dry conditions dampened the market, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Elliott reported.
The sale drew about 1100 cattle, with Hereford-Friesian and Angus dominating. Steers around 400kg typically returned $2.70-$2.85/kg, condition dependant.
Prime steers eased slightly on Wednesday, with heavier lots making $2.85-$2.95/kg. The heifer market softened 15c/kg on the previous week. Top heifers sold up to $2.88/kg, but the balance earned $2.60-$2.68/kg. Well-conditioned Friesian cows fetched $1.80/kg to $2.15/kg, with medium boners, $1.50/kg to $1.80/kg, and light, $1.20/kg to $1.50/kg. Hereford bulls returned $2.80/kg to $3.00/kg, and dairy, $2.60/kg to $3.00/kg.
Prime lambs traded at $120-$182 on Monday and store lambs ranged from $60 to $110.