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9 October 2023
Categories
Over the Farm Gate
Market Commentary
Livestock
Breeding and Genetics

Strong clearances, though slightly soft prices at yearling bull sales

Purchasers taking a functional approach to their bulls this year

This year’s yearling bull sales have delivered good clearances, albeit the values of the bulls offered is down by $300 to $500 per head compared to last year. Dairy farmers have not been prepared to exceed the $3,000 mark with their purchases.

With the current level of the dairy payout, purchasers are taking a purely functional approach, focusing primarily on getting their cows in calf, with little concern about how.

Buying at on-farm sales, farmers are looking for Breeding Worth between 3.5 and 5.5, with traits for calving ease and growth to the fore.

Many appear to be opting for a yearling mating programme, trying to secure a bull that will provide service for more than a single season, which may impact on the sale of two year old bulls next year.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager

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