Bull sales season starts as predicted with an excellent standard of stock offered to a cautious gallery of buyers.

With 130 studs nationwide competing for attention, buyers at this year’s bull sales are taking advantage.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager says the quality of bulls on offer at auction, private sales and paddock selections from Whangarei Heads to Bluff is excellent.

“In the first few weeks of the sales, the smaller breeders in particular have been well received, achieving solid results. However, average prices have dropped compared to last year, back by between $500 and $1500 per head. Reacting to the industry’s current financial challenges, commercial buyers are prudent and watching their pennies.

“Angus bulls remain the standout and seem to be where the New Zealand market is most heavily focused, whether for use as terminals or for other breeds,” he says.

Highlights to the end of May included the Tarangower Angus Stud sale at Mahoenui, King Country, where 32 of the 35 bulls offered sold at an average of $8771 and a top price of $15,000; Rock-End Herefords in Aria, King Country put up 23 bulls selling 21, which averaged $7057, among which the top lot reached $15,000; in Te Anau, Monymusk Polled Herefords sold 22 bulls at a $7636 average, among which the most highly sought after commanded $22,000; and in Masterton KayJay Angus sold 40 bulls averaging $11,675, with a top price of $29,000.