Livestock markets moving out of winter mode

Overall the livestock market has been in winter mode, with relatively low numbers of sheep and cattle through the saleyards. Looking ahead, there are a number of cattle sales rostered during October. 

Good early spring rainfall through most of the South Island has been welcome, recharging soil moisture levels. This in turn will assist with good grass growth for the earlier part of spring.

Lambing percentages have been good so far, especially in the top half of the South Island. 

Last season’s lambs are coming forward to be processed in good numbers, as farmers seek to maximise weight and move them on before they cut their teeth. These sales should continue until the end of October, with hoggets from the finer wool breeds selling through November and December. 

Starting positively, the first event in the South Island dairy bull sale season achieved a full clearance on the first sale. As the sale season proceeds through October, the South Island market may well follow North Island dairy bull trends, with prices slightly back on last year, though satisfactory clearance rates.

Shane Gerken, PGG Wrightson South Island Livestock Manager