Sheep & Beef

Shane Gerken - South Island Livestock Manager 

The start of the lambing season has gone pretty smoothly for most. There are good survival rates being reported and lambs look like they are doing well.

Traditional cattle remain popular while buyers remain selective with the longer-term or dairy beef types. With top quality beef steers able to fetch up to $3.40- $3.50/kg and more is expected to come out as spring unfolds. It is still a bit early for buyers to be looking for one-year cattle and this market is varied depending on the quality of what is on offer.

Farm gate lamb prices are now achieving the same price as this time last year. The average sits at $8.30/kg, within a range of $8-$8.50/kg, depending on who you supply.

The mutton price continues to lift, with a range of $5.30-$5.80/ kg being reported.

Dairy

Jamie Cunningham - National Dairy Sales Manager

Defer-a-bull campaign is well underway, with sign ups coming in well, and with the current cashflow situation that our clients are facing, I feel the product will be heavily used this year. It’s a simple product that gets used year on year by clients and I think without doubt it is the best currently in the marketplace.

With bull sales about to start if you haven’t already now is the time to talk to your agent regarding your requirements for mating. For up-coming bull sales and dates please visit the Agonline up-coming sales section on our website.

We currently have strong enquiry for quality surplus In-Milk or CTP cows and heifers with current numbers available being very low, buyers are responding well to quality lines.

Export heifers are s till in hot demand with delivery options ranging from October through to February 2020 so if you are interested in discussing this further please contact your agent for information.

Genetics

Callum Stewart - Livestock Genetics Manager

August has seen the genetics representatives commence the viewing and selection of yearling bulls, ahead of their sale season over the months of September and October. A kind winter in most places sees the bulls on offer in great, forward condition. There is great genetic diversification within each breed, which ensures commercial clients in the market of buying heifer bulls are spoilt for choice. Yearling bull sales are held throughout the country, to further your reach of selecting a sire most beneficial to your operation. No matter what the end product looks like for you, there is a bull to suit, and the PGG Wrightson Genetics Team are here to assist you in making an informed decision. Get in touch today to see how we can help you to achieve in breeding better business.