December Temuka sale likely to transact 4000 100-kilogram calves, also doubling as an IHC fund-raiser.

Traditionally one of the South Island’s biggest calf sales, at Temuka Saleyards on 3 and 4 December approximately 4000 dairy beef calves are set to transact, with a proportion of the sale benefiting the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme.

Commenting on another big sale that preceded the IHC event by two weeks, PGG Wrightson Canterbury dairy livestock manager Barry Fox says plenty of calves have been reared this year.

“Reflecting other local cattle sales, and North Island weaner calf sales to date, buyers are well motivated, and demand is high. Although some calves are slower coming up to weight this season, and some have sold privately instead of through the sale, pricing is at or above expectations.

“While steers and heifers are well sought after, bull calves are in greater demand, both the dairy and the beef cross bulls particularly receiving steady online support from North Island farmers participating in the sale via bidr.

“Well weighted calves were especially popular, selling well above contract pricing. Selling predominantly to Canterbury and South Canterbury farmers, purchasers from as far afield as Central Otago also made their presence at the sale felt,” he said.

Up to 300 donated calves from the region are expected to feature on 3 and 4 December in the IHC component of the Temuka sale. All proceeds from those calves will be donated to the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme. 

Proudly supported by PGG Wrightson and running for more than 40 years, the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme is one of New Zealand’s longest running and most successful charitable programmes. Last year it yielded more than $1 million to the charity. If you would like to support the scheme, you can donate a virtual calf, or make a donation online here. 
 

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