This year’s national bull sales are on 13 and 14 May, signaling the start of the bull selling season.

PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager Callum Stewart says rising two year old Angus and Hereford bulls will feature, consecutively, over the two days. 

“Our National Angus Sale is on 13 May at Palmerston North’s Orlando Country Club, followed by the National Hereford Sale on farm at the Strahan property, Kiwitea, on 14 May.

“All bulls are offered by prominent North and South Islands studs. The Angus bulls were brought together in November, since when they have gained excellent condition, while the Herefords have been on the Strahan property since February and are similarly looking great,” he said. 

Although numbers are down slightly on last year, Callum Stewart says quality is at a high level.

“We have 21 lots offered at the Angus sale, followed by 15 Herefords, which is fewer than last year, in part due to the success of on-farm sales,. Buyers are monitoring data, and targeting the most effective way to improve herds. Breeders are motivated to keep on advancing genetics, and the bulls on offer testify to their success with that. We therefore look forward to good clearances at each sale,” he said.

Immediately following the National Hereford Sale, a complete dispersal for Panorama Polled Herefords will be conducted online, starting at 2.30pm on 14 May.

“This will launch online sales in genetics. Every Hereford in the stud will be offered for sale, including the bull calves and rising two year old bulls. We are using our ‘bidr’ platform for this sale. Bidr is a virtual saleyard operating an easy-to-use, real time auction. This eliminates much of the stress on animals, as well as reducing the sale’s environmental footprint. Bidr is easy to use, from anywhere in the world, backed up by strict listing and accreditation protocols. 

“We are looking forward to the response to this offering, the first of a new kind of genetics sale. Bidr gives our clients an exceptional way to reach farmers, therefore growing their brand more effectively than ever before through the breadth of online coverage,” said Callum Stewart.