Good weather and healthy schedules leading to firm demand at weaner calf fairs and store lamb sales.

With markets responding to positive climatic and market conditions, whether in the paddock or the saleyard, there is optimism about.

Indifferent North Island weather has resulted in varying moisture levels, though most regions are enjoying some autumn growth. Meanwhile continuing pleasant conditions through most of the South Island means the country looks fantastic, particularly with abundant feed on the ground.

Although the mainstream weaner calf fairs have been completed across most of the North Island, solid tallies of quality hill country calves will continue to come through the Feilding saleyards into mid-May, at which point the focus will turn to the two-year-old bull sales.

In Canterbury and Blenheim, the last of the high-country sales finished the weaner calf sales on an upward trend. During the season’s final weeks, solid demand from purchasers looking for quality weaner calves continues to push prices for South Island heifers and steers up by 30 to 40 cents per kilogram liveweight.

Good numbers of North and South Island store lambs are still changing hands, both at auction and privately. A continued lift in the lamb schedule over recent months has provided purchasers with confidence to buy, anticipating a positive winter market and establishing the basis for solid demand.

All vendors across recent dairy dispersal sales have enjoyed record prices, reflecting the quality line ups and top genetics presented to the market.

One event to look forward to, the Mount Linton cattle sale on 8 May, presents an excellent opportunity, both for those seeking finishing cattle and breeding cows. Approaching 1500 Angus cattle with excellent genetics from the renowned Western Southland property will go under the hammer on farm in the presence of a large and motivated local gallery, with eager competition also likely from further afield via bidr.

View Mt Linton's cattle sale on agOnline here!

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