PGG Wrightson national genetics manager Callum Stewart says prices are up about 10% on last year, something he expects to continue as the sales continue this month and into January.
“The commercial guys are giving the stud guys a real run for their money. They’re not holding back.
“There’s good money if you’ve got good quality product. If you want good genetics you’re going to have to pay for it.”
Waikato studs Nikau Coopworth and Waimai Romney, both breeding for facial eczema tolerance, averaged $2059 and $2890 respectively while King Country’s Ruapuha Stud Perendales, also FE tolerant, averaged $2450.
In the South Island Fairlie ram breeder David Giddings is thrilled with his recent Meadowslea ram sale.
He says strong sheep meat prices and confidence in the industry are reflected in spirited bidding at the on-farm sale.
The stud sold 275 rams for an average of $1375 – a 30% increase on last year.
Giddings said that matches product prices.
“Historically, the old adage has always been that a ram is equivalent to the price of 10 lambs – with these early store lambs making around $130 at the moment we were probably right on target.”
There was plenty of interest right across the various breeds Meadowslea offered, he said.
“With a real positivity and excitement around sheep a lot of farmers are looking to increase their ewe numbers and this was reflected in demand for white-faced sheep.
“At the same time those people looking to use a terminal want a top one as the terminal fat-lamb market is a big part of their business now – so our terminals sold like hot cakes too.
“We’ve even had some inquiry for hogget-mating rams already, which really shows people want more sheep.”
The positive atmosphere at the sale was a continuation of what Giddings saw at last month’s NZ Agricultural Show.
“We saw this at the Christchurch show, young people in particular are excited about sheep and really want to be sheep farmers and see a real future for the industry, which is great to see.”
