High quality and firm values for most sought after likely to feature at this year’s sales

This year’s yearling bull sale season will commence shortly. More than 60 sales are scheduled throughout the country during September and October.

Considering the wet winter, the bulls on offer are showing the high quality of care that the stud stock industry is committed to.

Breeding programmes are set up for calving ease, short gestation and growth. These traits will be the main focus for buyers at the sales again this year, for dairy in particular, and also for beef. A high proportion of the young bulls offered this year meet those market requirements to an exceptional level.

Breeders realise that this series of sales is an opportunity to chase the heifer market for mating, while the cow market will also be a factor in some purchases.

Based on the volume of bulls, buyers will be offered plenty of choice. However, while supply is likely to exceed demand, for the most sought-after bulls at least, values are likely to hold firm at last year’s levels.

Callum Stewart, PGG Wrightson Livestock National Genetics Manager