Big sales at weaner fair after rain
More than 2100 young cattle went under the auctioneer’s hammer at the Feilding saleyards, after last week’s steer sale of weaners was cancelled because of the wet conditions.
The saleyards were full as young cattle set up a cacophony, calling for their mothers after being weaned off cows to come to the sale.
Wet weather last week meant many farmers could not get cows and calves into yards to separate them. Stock trucks were also unable to get through some rural roads to pick up stock.
Last week’s weaner sale for heifers was held, but about half the advertised stock were unable to make it and the sale for males last Thursday was cancelled.
However they came in droves this week, when farmers took advantage of several days of fine weather to wean calves.
PGG Wrightson stock agent, Tony Gallen said the sale was very strong and sellers were happy with the money they were getting.
Farmers were sure the beef price would stay high and buyers paid $100-$200 up on last year.
Gallen said the weaners were 6 to 8 months-old and black angus calves were in favour, as farmers could get a premium for the brand ‘Pure Angus’.
‘‘Buyers were chasing young cattle, and were paying around $44.50 a kilogram for them.’’
He said exotic breeds were also in demand as they often matured earlier.
Other stock agents said there was a shortage of breeding stock and plenty of feed around, which was also helping to drive high prices.
Most finishing farmers would keep the young cattle for 12 months, with some being kept until they were two-and-half years old before they were sent to the meat plant.
Rain threatened during the sale and started falling part way through it, but it was not heavy enough to be a disruption.