Reduced numbers and encouraging meat schedules mean prices should firm

Dairy beef sales are about to kick off, with the first North Island sale mid-October. Regular sales at all the main saleyards will progress from there, particularly in greater Waikato and Northland, where calving occurs earlier. South Island dairy beef sales will commence in mid-November. Specific dairy beef weaner sales will be held each week in Waikato and Bay of Plenty and fortnightly in Taranaki, Manawatu and Tararua.

Big calf numbers are expected at Frankton and Feilding saleyards, also Stratford and Bay of Plenty. In the South Island the main sales are at Temuka and Lorneville, which will have the critical mass to send strong signals to the rest of the market.

Based on the reduced numbers that have been reared and encouraging meat schedules, prices should be firm on last year, though it is still early to accurately predict that. 

Keep an eye on AgOnline for all the upcoming sales. If you want to gauge the overall state of dairy beef prior to either buying or selling, follow a livestreamed sale or two via bidr, which will help you better understand how the market is faring.

Jamie Cunninghame, PGG Wrightson National Dairy Livestock Manager