Values holding firm as North Island buyers come out in force  

Northland’s weaner sales season enjoyed a strong start in February. Values were firm on last year, the cattle were well presented, plenty of exotic breeds sold early, and buyers from throughout the North Island were out in force.

Compared to last year live weights of the weaners on offer were down by almost 20 kilograms on average, likely due to the wet spring when these animals were calved influencing their initial growth. 

Values have softened slightly as the sales season has progressed.

One notable trend is the marked improvement in the quality of cattle on offer. Breeders are clearly taking notice of what the market is telling them about the use of genetics, and have applied real purpose to improving their livestock, matching the right cows to the best bulls and taking the benefits with the quality of calves on the ground, then subsequently through the saleyards.

Most of the region’s weaners are now sold, with just a handful of supplementary fairs to complete the season.

Northland’s more general beef market has also been strong, with plenty of store cattle selling at above where the schedule indicates values should sit, though in past weeks that has come back to approximately par, around $3 to $3.05 per kilogram.