Abundant feed drives heavy demand

Commencing in early January, South Island store lamb sales are delivering excellent results for breeders. With plenty of moisture in most areas, feed is abundant in quantity and excellent in quality, motivating strong demand.

As works schedules have dropped away from peak levels, farmers are looking at holding lambs for the short term, making the most of the feed while it is available.

Where there is feed there will always be demand for store lambs, and demand this season is heavy.

In what has become one of the key features on the South Canterbury sheep and beef farming calendar over the past ten years, 2400 hectare Albury farm Opawa Downs, alongside two other nearby farming businesses, offered 12,500 lambs at their annual on farm sale in early January.

Forty five buyers registered for the day, coming from as far north as Christchurch and as far south as Waitaki, with many following the sale across the different yards on the various properties.

PGG Wrightson Livestock Mid-South Canterbury regional manager Joe Higgins conducted the sale, which he says indicated the strength of the current store lamb market.

“Based on good quality genetics producing excellent lambs that thrive in local conditions, Opawa Downs has built a steady, loyal following for this sale, and meets the market every year.

“A pleasing aspect of the sale was that every animal offered sold, making the day a win-win for all. Values exceeded expectations, and were equal to anything that transacted pre-Christmas, surpassing what has been achieved through the saleyards of late, as well as recent paddock sales,” he says.

 Shane Gerken, PGG Wrightson South Island Livestock Manager