Buoyant outlook, procurement pressure and above average export returns driving favourable market for all livestock classes.

Across all species, ages and breeds of livestock, market returns maintained upward trends over the past month, with values at record levels.

A strong outlook for both red meat and dairy underpins the optimism. Procurement pressure from processing companies, coupled with better than average export returns, are creating excellent conditions for those farmers in a position to capitalise. Breeders are particularly benefiting from the favourable environment.

In mid-May Feilding hosted the season’s final North Island beef weaner calf fair. Values achieved matched the quality of the calves presented by Taihape regulars at this sale, backed up by equally good offerings from other lower North Island vendors.

Store and forward store lambs continue to come out of the North Island hill districts, rewarding vendors with solid values. In the South Island, anticipating strong processing schedules through the winter, the store lamb market also remains robust and active with elevated values.

Likewise, as processors look for prime cattle to fill their chains, cow pricing is also buoyant. Plenty of cull cows are coming to the South Island market: upwards of 2800 cows went through the Temuka saleyards in the third week of May.

Dairy herd and heifer transactions are proceeding positively. Limited supply, coupled with a positive payout forecast, is propelling values. Delivery of dairy cows and heifers will occur in the coming weeks to meet forward sales as the 2025/26 season commences.
 

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