Store lambs, two tooths and ewes all in heavy demand as confidence in sheep industry returns. 

With encouraging commodity pricing and plenty of feed in the paddock, 2026 is off to a promising start in most regions. Farmers picking up on the positives are driving livestock markets ahead. Strong demand across all classes of livestock is resulting in record values at many sales.

Confidence that the schedule will stay up is leading to exceptional prices for store lambs, on the assumption that returns for sheep this year will remain high.

At various recent on-farm sales prices paid for store lambs have ranged from $30 to $50 above last year. Record value levels and full clearances result in happy vendors. Due largely to changes in farming practices, at two tooth and ewe fairs in mid to late January the number of capital stock ewes coming onto the South Island market was higher than previous years’ levels, though stock continues to sell well. Demand at North Island sales suggests this will continue, with lines documenting good genetics especially favoured. All signs are that the South Island market will track the same trend.

Some long overdue confidence may finally be returning to the sheep industry. 

Meanwhile 100-kilogram calves are selling well. Above 2,500 calves transacted at each of two big January Temuka sales. Heavy demand is evident for the extra calves that have come forward since Christmas. Likewise, although numbers of South Island store cattle coming onto the market at present are relatively low, those that have been offered have been met with strong demand.

In the North Island the start of beef weaner fairs, and sales of winter trade lambs are coming up, while in the South Island lamb sales for the finer wool breeds will feature in February. Due to wet weather and a delayed harvest, arable farmers have not yet entered this season’s livestock market. After harvest demand from them will boost the market further.

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