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Catch up on the latest market commentary from around the country in the April 2019 issue of the PGG Wrightson Livestock Market Update.

South Island Sheep & Beef

Calf sales have been the main focus in the South Island as the bulk of calves are sold throughout April.

To date, pricing has been $150 -$200 less than last year, due to finishers making little margin in previous years.

Store Lambs have  meet with steady demand as farmers who have sent lambs away look to restock, combined with more cropping farmers on the hunt for lambs.

North and Mid Canterbury has had some rainfall and with good weather which has combined into good pasture growth. South Otago is well behind in pasture growth this year with little rainfall in some areas.

Dairy

With Gypsy Day looming, trade in dairy livestock is into the business end of the season.

As the season rolls on vendor and purchaser expectations are drawing closer together, which means deals are becoming more frequent.

Herd sales contracted for 1 June delivery have been completed steadily over the past few weeks, priced in the $1500 to $1900 per head range, depending on quality. Most sales have proceeded at between $1600 and $1700 per head.

A series of on-farm clearing sales is also under way, with at least a dozen auctions in Waikato, Taranaki and Manawatu scheduled through until the final week of May. Early enquiry for these has been strong, and the auctions should go well, particularly when the higher quality herds go under the hammer.

Positive indications for dairy returns have provided the market with less impetus than might have been expected. Although the Global Dairy Trade’s recent trend is good news, it is not yet stirring the dairy livestock trade along as much as you might expect. Although there is some feelgood, other factors are holding farmers in check.

Overall, steady market progress is expected during the coming weeks, with quality stock selling well at stable values and minimal variance on current trends.

Genetics

March has seen the Genetics Team’s attention shift to the upcoming two year old bull sale season. Pockets of the country have seen a favourable summer season, which has resulted in their offering more forward than years previous. In other areas however, the dry first months of the year has given the opposite, which has seen the bulls, and their vendors, challenged. We are still in the early stages of inspecting, and we expect most to realise their potential in time for sale day. Sales are set to start in May, and as distant as this may sound, it always comes around quickly. It pays to be ahead of the game when selecting and sourcing seed stock, so get in touch with your local genetics representative today to see where we can assist you in breeding better business.

The 2019 Young Farmer of the Year competition is New Zealand's Ultimate Rural Challenge inspiring excellence, showcasing innovation and growing human capabilities.

The East Coast regional final, held on 13 April 2019, saw eight finalists tackle a series of gruelling modules at Pukemiro Station in Dannevirke. Joseph Watts, PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative ‘fiercely-contested’ for the last remaining spot in the grand finale.

To take out this placing, Joseph competed in a series of tasks including operating a drone to spot a water leak, a butchery challenge, weighing and shearing sheep and artificial breeding.

The practical event was followed by a fast-paced agri-knowledge quiz hosted by Te Radar at the Dannevirke Town Hall.

“I’m pretty stoked, but I’m a bit nervous about the next couple of months. I don’t have long to prepare for the grand final in July,” Joseph said.

Joseph’s win netted him $12,000 worth of prizes, including a Honda XR150 and a WorkSafe leadership course in Wellington. Joseph also took home awards for being the most tech-savvy of the group, outstanding leadership skills and showcasing innovation.

Stay tuned to see Joseph compete in the grand final in Hawke’s Bay on 4-6 July 2019.

With Gypsy Day looming, trade in dairy livestock is into the business end of the season.

According to PGG Wrightson National Dairy Sales Manager Jamie Cunninghame, as the season rolls on vendor and purchaser expectations are drawing closer together, which means deals are becoming more frequent.

“Herd sales contracted for 1 June delivery have been completed steadily over the past few weeks, priced in the $1500 to $1900 per head range, depending on quality. Most sales have proceeded at between $1600 and $1700 per head.

“A series of on-farm clearing sales is also under way, with at least a dozen auctions in Waikato, Taranaki and Manawatu scheduled through until the final week of May. Early enquiry for these has been strong, and the auctions should go well, particularly when the higher quality herds go under the hammer,” he said. Information about the schedule of clearing sales is on the AgOnline website.
Jamie Cunninghame said positive indications for dairy returns have provided the market with less impetus than might have been expected.

“Although the Global Dairy Trade’s recent trend is good news, it is not yet stirring the dairy livestock trade along as much as you might expect. Although there is some feelgood, other factors are holding farmers in check.

“South Island farmers who culled herds due to Mycoplasma Bovis are now repopulating, though that activity is not sufficient to alter the market. However, with the tough spring and dry summer leaving empty rates higher than normal, farmers going to market to maintain herd numbers are driving impetus somewhat. Additionally, export cattle are still going to China, with farmers who have capitalised now looking to replace numbers. Export enquiry responds quickly to global dairy prices, so more export activity is likely,” he said.

Overall, Jamie Cunninghame expects steady market progress during the coming weeks, with quality stock selling well at stable values and minimal variance on current trends.

Mark Leishman talks to PGW Livestock GM, Peter Moore in the latest Livestock Update.  This week’s interview focuses on the strong market for store lambs, the feed conditions for Autumn, Brexit and the upcoming launch for Bidr. 

Market Prices
Recent store stock sales around the country  are seeing the sheep market maintain it’s value. With big sales happening at Stortford Lodge and Feilding. 

Feed Conditions
Feed conditions are less than ideal for this time of the year. The country is green but with the cooler ground temperatures and low soil moisture means pasture growth is slow. 

Brexit 
With a further delay on the decision around Brexit, exporters are left with uncertainty for the future. 

Bidr Launch 
The launch of Bidr is approaching fast, with the official launch taking place at the National Fieldays.