Sheep & Beef

Shane Gerken - South Island Livestock Manager 

Colder than normal weather conditions for this time of the year in the South Island has meant farmers are on top of their feed, especially in the bottom half of the South Island.

The cattle market has been sluggish, as buyers look for better quality and types of cattle to purchase. This will be short term as once feed grows, there will more buyers coming into the market to purchase cattle.

Schedule pricing for lamb is around the $8.50kg. Processors are reasonably full as finishers offload lambs before they cut their teeth.  

The demand overseas for sheep meats and beef is looking extremely positive. The Chinese market is especially strong due to the outbreak of African swine flu as they look at substituting pork for sheep meats and beef.

Dairy

Jamie Cunningham - National Dairy Sales Manager

With spring here in most parts of the country things are in pretty good shape, with feed situations in the main very good and the mowers have been out in many regions.

Dairy herd selling is underway with the Northland team getting a forward contract in place on a very nice Xbreed herd of A2/A1 cows @ $1800 and the in-calf heifers @ $1575 leaving a very pleased vendor.

In milk sales are taking place in the North Island with good success with recent auction sales averaging between $1770 and $1920 with reasonable numbers offered, a nice xbreed herd sold in the Manawatu last week @ $1850 (paddock sale).

Bull sales are being supported well around the country by the teams with pleasing results. Defer-a-Bull is being well used with contracts coming in everyday now. Clients like the simplicity of the product and the flexibility that it provides.

The dairy beef sales are about to start around the country and with feed conditions the way they are we are expecting interest to be firm. Anyone wanting to know options for dairy beef sales please contact your local PGG Wrightson team.

Genetics

Ryan Shannon - Livestock Genetics Rep

As yearling bull sales are coming to a conclusion in the North Island and starting in the South, we have seen more bulls than ever being sold into the industry. While the dairy industry is facing more challenges than before, we are seeing lower prices for breeders specialising in selling to the dairy industry. On the upside, prices have increased for bulls sold into the beef industry for heifer mating. 

As Christmas approaches it’s the time of year to start thinking about ram selections for next season. With the outlook for the lamb schedule looking positive, there is no better time to get in contact with your local livestock rep or genetics specialist for advice when purchasing rams, whether your focus is growth rate, fertility or yield to maximise your bottom line.

With the wide variety of rams available at auction or on farm we have got you covered.