Solid schedules sustain positive values for cattle and sheep

Wet weather resulting in slower spring grass growth has delayed the normal motivation to re-stock after winter, setting back the flow of cattle through the saleyards. However, demand for good well-bred cattle with weight on has remained positive, and with the apparent though somewhat false arrival of spring through the latter part of September, tallies increased for a period. Cattle prices post 1 July are averaging $75 per head higher than last year and have generally remained solid on the back of tidy schedules. 

Meanwhile the sheep market has been relatively quiet, with farmers primarily focused on moving through the last of the old season lambs prior to cutting teeth. Again solid schedules are sustaining positive values. Some lines of ewes with lambs at foot coming through the market represent good value for vendors and purchasers alike.

Across much of the North Island soil moisture levels are higher than optimal. Without much sun and only intermittent warmer days, grass response tends to be slow, while putting a tractor on paddocks to re-grass and crop remains a challenge in many districts. 

Matt Langtry, PGG Wrightson North Island Livestock Manager