Good values based on heavy demand and excellent stock condition feature in most sales

Regular rainfall and mild weather prior to Christmas resulted in exceptional grass growth in most North Island districts, enabling farmers to retain greater numbers of stock than they would expect through what is normally a dry period. Pressure on access to meat processing chains has also reduced in recent weeks, freeing up some space.

Since Christmas, on the back of surplus feed across the North Island, early cattle sales and ewe fairs have been strong, providing substantial premiums at private and auction sales in comparison to meat processors’ schedules.

Cattle sales in Te Kuiti, the Stortford Lodge ewe fair, and calendared sales from around the North Island have resulted in particularly generous returns as the values recorded challenged works schedules. Following a few weeks of sun on their backs, stock health lifted, and most animals are being presented for sale in optimum condition.

Countering the optimism somewhat, the effects of adverse weather in the north and east of the North Island, including Cyclone Hale, will hamper and delay the transaction of some stock. That said, farming districts through Waikato, King Country, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu and Wairarapa remained largely untouched by the inclement conditions, leaving farmers to capitalise on their feed surplus, and suggesting most livestock markets will remain strong through the coming months, with particularly well presented weaners likely to come forward in March and April. 

Matt Langtry, PGG Wrightson North Island Livestock Manager