Elevated commodity prices and abundance of feed create heavy demand at Masterton Cattle Fair.

One of the best Wairarapa livestock sales in recent memory took place last month.

Held in late February, the Masterton Cattle Fair reflected farmer confidence derived from excellent commodity prices and the abundance of late summer and early autumn feed.

Yarding approximately 1000 traditional beef cattle, including yearlings and two-and-a-half-year-old steers and heifers, demand was up, the rostrum was full, and prices were high.

Dependent on weight, the yearling steers sold between $5.80 and $6.60 per kilogram, yearling heifers between $5.60 and $6.30 per kilogram, while the two-and-a-half-year-olds sold between $5.30 and $5.50 per kilogram.

Local buyers took the lead with strong support from Hawke’s Bay and Manawatu farmers.

Masterton-based PGG Wrightson livestock representative Rihi Brown said this sale exceeded recent trends.

“In the present strong market, it reinforced how much better farmers will do by taking their stock to the saleyard, rather than selling them in the paddock.

“Confidence in overseas markets and the exceptional spread of grass throughout the country at this point of the season is creating massive demand for stock. Because farmers don’t have a useful alternative for all the feed they have, some are opting to finish stock rather than sell. Alongside the impact of land use change in recent years, this means demand for stock is stronger than the supply available. Values have risen accordingly,” he says.

Upcoming Wairarapa cattle sales likely to continue these trends are two weaner fairs on 10 and 11 and 24 and 25 March; then another sale of older cattle in early April.

“Lack of availability, especially of good traditional stock, means anyone who is thinking of offering cattle at these events will do well, and should register now,” says Rihi.

If you are looking for a premium or a marketing difference, don’t hesitate to contact one of your local PGG Wrightson Livestock specialists.

Contact your local rep to explore opportunities tailored to your farming goals.