Despite the ongoing drought and uncertainty around coronavirus, autumn livestock markets are generally positive.

PGG Wrightson Livestock national sales manager Matt Macfie says plenty of sales are providing encouraging signs for farmers.

“Although tallies going through the sales are back, demand remains steady. When the quality of stock is good, buyers are forthcoming. In the face of challenging climatic conditions, the general condition of stock that farmers are presenting to the market remains excellent. While there might be limited buyers, and values have reduced somewhat from what were record levels prior to Christmas, the market is not seriously depleted, and prices are holding up well.

“Markets in various sectors and different parts of the country have reacted positively. For example at the weaner fairs in the Far North, although prices are back by around $100 per head, that is off an all-time high, so still equates to excellent returns. Similarly, lamb prices in Manawatu have lifted,” he says.

Online trading platform and New Zealand’s virtual saleyard bidr has gained momentum in recent weeks, showing the power of the internet and its potential to benefit farmers, says Matt Macfie.

“One particular sale went exceptionally well. Earlier this month we conducted an auction for Elite Charollais of Feilding. On-site and remote bidding were available, we achieved a 100 per cent clearance, with 22 registered buyers from throughout the country, sale prices averaging 30 per cent above reserve and 66 per cent of lots sold to remote bidders,” he says.  

bidr also recently announced that it will host and co-ordinate dedicated sales of AngusPure qualifying cattle on the first Tuesday of every month from April. These sales will be exclusively for cattle tagged with an AngusPure source and trace tag, and for clients of the AngusPure partner studs.

“Despite some short term challenges, the global demand for red meat protein remains. Present market activity reflects that, which will continue to serve New Zealand farmers well, particularly when they utilise the innovation at their disposal,” says Matt Macfie.