Healthy beef schedules and widespread feed abundance dictating positive mood and excellent demand.

As weaner and calf sales dominate livestock agendas in the North and South Islands respectively, prices are riding the highs of strong beef schedules and abundant feed.

In the North Island weaners are selling at $500 to $600 above last year’s values, while South Island calves are changing hands at around $500 more than they were in 2025.

Many farmers have traded out of 18-month-old cattle. Having been well paid for those, they have the money in the bank to buy this year’s calves, says Lower North Island regional manager for PGG Wrightson Livestock Steve Wilkinson.

“While a few districts would benefit from moisture, in general feed levels are really good. Although some farmers might be inclined to hold on to stock and take advantage of the feed they have, such excellent prices on the back of high demand is helping to persuade them to take their weaners to market,” he says.

Following the first calf sale in Blenheim in mid-March, the South Island is following similar trends, says Shane Gerken, PGG Wrightson South Island Livestock Manager.

“Due to plenty of feed throughout the South Island, calves are coming forward heavier than they were last year. Demand for good beef calves is strong. We expect this to continue for the remainder of the calf sale season, which will go on through April and conclude with a couple of high country sales in late May,” he says.

Meanwhile, although the store lamb market has eased off the historic peaks of January and February, compared to last year prices throughout the country remain outstanding. With more store lambs available, lamb schedules easing and limited killing space has resulted in a softening of store lamb prices. However, good demand continues, mainly from Canterbury farmers looking to finish lambs in the winter and spring.

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