Abundant feed a positive for breeders and purchasers, with similar trends at play for trade in store lambs.

This autumn’s series of calf sales has almost run its course, with just the sales of high- country calves scheduled for May in Blenheim and Canterbury.

On the back of the positive beef market, calves have sold well this year, coming into the yards notably heavier than last year, and received by strong demand from North Island and South Island buyers. In the earliest sales, with buyers responding to healthy quantities of feed, prices were at peak levels. Although demand tapered slightly as the season progressed, prices paid for calves remained significantly better than last year.

The general consensus is that breeders are satisfied, and most buyers have been able to buy their numbers and breed preference.

Similar trends are influencing the trade in store lambs. Undeterred by the late April cold snap, lamb finishers sought to capitalise on abundant pasture, while some farmers have held back their lambs, adding weight while their own feed situation permits. Farmers selling store lambs are tending to favour the saleyards over paddock sales, drawn to the more competitive prices paid through the former.

Overall, demand for store lambs has been good as finishers look to top up their lamb numbers for winter or spring finishing.

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