North Island demand up by 10 per cent on last year with values increasing by $30 per head 

This season’s sales of North Island four-day old calves have significantly exceeded where they sat last year.

Fewer bobbies, better genetics, and better beef calves are attracting premiums from rearers and finishers.

Across the main North Island dairying regions calf sales have increased year-on-year by around 10 per cent, while values are up by around $30 per head.

Sales at Reporoa illustrate the increase, as PGG Wrightson Bay of Plenty Regional Livestock Manager Simon Rouse explains.

“We have transacted significantly more calves this year than in the past. We are drawing calves from Te Puke and Tauranga to the Reporoa saleyards. By the end of the season, we will exceed 10,000 calves through our regular sales. Buyers are keen, particularly on the high-quality calves coming from the traditional Friesian herds that predominate here.”

He says Hereford and Charolais cross calves are also proving popular.

“With the quality of land we have locally, the absence of wet country, farmers can better handle and feed a larger cow. This year’s calves have been notable for their volume and quality,” says Simon.

Reporoa has plans to extend the saleyards, partly to accommodate the additional number of four-day old calves now coming through. 

This year before they attend a calf sale many rearers already have forward contracts signed for the on-sale of 100-kilogram weaners. Others will take calves through to finishing themselves, in late 2027 or early 2028.

North Island calf sales started in mid-July and will come to an end in early October. In the South Island, where numbers are also up, calf sales will continue for another few weeks.

Links to: 

https://www.facebook.com/reporoacalfsale/