Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Weaned calves make music

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Weaner calf buyers have been waiting for this week with much anticipation as the central and upper North Island got stuck into weaner fairs from Monday right through to Friday.
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The sound of freshly weaned calves at sale yards from Kaikohe through to Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki was music to buyer’s ears, as with such good growth this season in most areas quality store cattle numbers have not exactly flowed freely.

Not only did the favorable summer help the market, it also put more weight on calves though that was limited on those from areas that were very dry earlier on. 

As a farmer myself I understand that what we all really want to know is how much we are going to have to pay for weaners or, if selling, how much we are going to get in the pocket. So, in a nutshell, from results posted this week the market for traditional steers and heifers has been consistently firm on 2017 levels across all yards while exotic steers have taken a lift – reflecting the good returns for killed cattle and, therefore, bigger budgets. The bull market has been steady though a growing number of young beef bulls are bought for breeding in dairy herds, which skews prices as they make a premium over those bought to finish. 

Due to variables between areas it is impossible to throw a blanket over all yards and say this is where the market is at but in general traditional steers, 250kg plus, sold for $995-$1200, while 200-240kg have been very consistent at $850-$1000. Exotic steers of similar weight ranges earned $1050-$1145 and $900-$1050 respectively. Heifer numbers will grow in the coming weeks but to date prices have been up $20-$50 at most sales. Hereford heifers at Frankton, 160-200kg, sold for $630-$750.

So it’s fair to say the weaner fairs have got off to a great start and I’d expect that as we move through that level will hold. 

suz.bremner@nzx.com

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