Leading western Waikato and King Country studs set the scene with encouraging clearances and average prices well in excess of last year.

Indications from the season’s first few ram sales confirm the sheep and beef sector’s current positive outlook.

Sales held by three leading western Waikato and King Country studs resulted in outstanding clearances, with average prices well up on last year.

Cam Heggie, PGG Wrightson Upper North Island Livestock Genetics Rep and Auctioneer, is seeing a strong market for rams resistant to facial eczema and worms.

“Rams with the right characteristics are selling well. Because sheep numbers are down, people can be particular about what they buy. However, because the desired attributes are there, when farmers know what they want and have done their homework, they are willing to invest in high-quality genetics.

“bidr continues to open up the market, giving buyers greater choice, and enabling them to hunt out the top rams. Rams are selling at between $400 and $600 more than they were last year,” he says.

Attracting purchasers from throughout the country, Alastair and Ann Reeves of Waimai Romney sold 140 of 147 rams offered, making $2950 on average, while the top Waimai ram sold for $6200.

Alastair says such a positive sale reflects confidence in the sheep industry after a tough couple of years.

“We are committed to offering the right genetics for now and for the future: high production and health traits to make money for farmers. Never losing sight of production traits, growth, fertility and survival, which are regularly in the top ten per cent, we have also pioneered FE tolerant and worm resistance traits over the last 40 years. These are becoming increasingly important across the country. FEGold and WormFEC Gold, leading facial eczema genetics and promoting breeding for parasite resistance respectively, are positive initiatives we have been involved with. Our rams exemplify these brands, showing how breeders can work together for the betterment of commercial farmers.”

At its 48th annual ram sale at Frankton Saleyards in early November, Nikau Coopworth, Waikaretu Valley, sold 80 of 85 rams offered, averaging $2769 and hitting a top price of $6100. Owner Kate Broadbent was pleased with the sale, which featured on TVNZ’s Country Calendar.

“Recognising the genetics they need to make the most of a market that is paying them $200 per lamb, farmers are willing to invest in good rams. Along with growth, FE tolerance and parasite resistance are sought after. Strong profitability enables investment back into the farm, including good bulls and rams,” says Kate.

At their sale in mid-November Russell and Mavis Proffit of Raupuha Studs, Mahoenui achieved a total clearance of 195 rams offered, comprising Perendales, Romdales, Suffolks and Suftex. Russell was pleased with the outcome.

“In terms of pricing, farming is as good as it’s ever been. When there’s a positive feeling among farmers, selling rams is a bit easier. Trying to do the right thing, my father started FE testing 26 years ago. While it took 12 to 14 years to pay off, we have been rewarded and have stepped up the focus on measuring resistance to FE and worms. Support from the local farming community, and our other clients further and wider afield, such as we saw at our ram sale, is extremely gratifying,” says Russell.

South Island ram sales have also now commenced. Sales in the North and South Islands will run through until shortly before Christmas, then resume in the new year.

View our Ram Sales schedule here. 
 

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