Spring is just around the corner as lambs start to appear around the South Island and calving commences in the North Island.

South Island Sheep & Beef

As the days draw out it’s nice to think spring isn’t too far away with a few early lambs starting to appear.

There has been reasonable yardings of prime and store lambs making their way to the yards. The market has been very strong as finishing farmers top up their numbers for the spring.  Dry ewes have been selling well  and numbers are back on last year due to the good scanning that  most South Island farmers are experiencing.

Limited numbers of cattle are coming forward for sale, as most farmers are retaining cattle to eat winter feed and to utilise the upcoming spring growth.

Dairy

Calving has commenced in most North Island areas and is due to begin in the South Island. Demand for feeder calves is mixed – there is demand for good quality straight bred calves from properties with sound biosecurity practices. Auction sales are also reflecting this trend with numbers being offered back on previous years.

Enquiry for Service Bulls is ramping up with most farmers asking a lot of questions about the bulls history before committing to any purchases. This is a direct result of de-risking themselves from M. Bovis infection.

Farmers across New Zealand are looking forward to Spring and  some much needed heat and sunshine!