Yearling bulls, calves, lambs and hoggets all meeting demand at North Island saleyards, while prolonged cold and wet delays the growing season in the South 

Variable weather conditions throughout the country have impacted throughput at the saleyards and the mood among farmers, with positive or negative consequences depending on the region.

Early spring has generally been favourable in the North Island, leaving Waikato flush with growth and Northland’s moisture levels elevated. Meanwhile, Southland and parts of Otago have suffered prolonged cold, wet periods, delaying the start of the growing season. 

Yearling bull sales are progressing well in the North Island and set to commence in the South Island in early October.

Elsewhere some North Island farmers are agreeing forward contracts for early 100-kilogram calves at $920 per head. North Island cattle, both store and prime, are selling close to record levels, while in the South Island spring cattle sales have seen strong demand for shorter term trading beef. Good demand is evident for well-bred South Island cattle through the spring sales and once feed conditions improve, this is set to increase yet further.

While lambs continue to sell well, demand for ewes with lambs at foot is less evident. However, that may create the potential for trading.

Upcoming in the South Island, more spring cattle sales, last year’s lambs coming forward for processing, and continued sales of dairy bulls.