South Island sheep and beef update

South Island livestock focus is the annual bull sales, which are in full swing.

Bulls on average are up on last year’s sale price, as farmers invest in their genetics, for on farm gain.

The last of the store lambs are being sold before winter sets in. Lamb finishers have been keenly snapping up the lambs as confidence builds for the outlook for winter/spring lamb schedules.

Store cattle pricing is subdued due to some areas not having a lot of winter feed and farmers waiting on cattle space. Once the backlog is cleared, there will be an increase in schedule pricing going into the winter for finished cattle, therefore lifting the pricing for store cattle.

Dairy

Our sector has got some interesting challenges ahead of itself at present and the key focus needs to be the long-term sustainability of our Dairy industry so we can continue to contribute our vital part of the country’s export income.

Dairy livestock markets reflect the generally low morale and uncertainty in the sector. Through April and May stock prices dropped by 20 to 25 per cent, reflecting the lower volumes and inconsistent availability of feed conditions. Now dairy herds have settled and as winter progresses, those who have decided to leave the sector will already have done so, and anyone who has quality stock to sell through that period should be met with a positive reception in the market.

It’s the time of the year now for all parties to take a well deserved break and get ready for the season ahead. Who knows what the 2019/20 dairy season will send our way, but our sector is full of hard working, resilient and innovative people that as always will find the upside in any situation.

Enjoy the winter break and good luck for 2019/20 Dairy Season.

Genetics

The bull sale season kicked off with the National Angus and Hereford sales held at Orlando Country and on farm in Kiwitea. It was a disappointing start to the season, because the success of on-farm sales has come at the cost of the Nationals with waning support and quality of bulls from breeders.

Although we had a slow start we have seen an upswing in the on farm sales, with most averages and clearances being on par or better than the good performances of previous years. Merchiston Angus saw a full clearance 43/43 sold at an average of $9,506, with the top price bull going to Shian Angus in Taumarunui for $31,000. This like many other sales was underpinned by strong demand from commercial farmers happy to spend upwards of $10,000 for top Genetics.