Market update from Phil Young, North Island Livestock Manager at Carrfields Livestock
Busy times for Carrfields livestock as we look to integrate the Farm Source livestock business into the Carrfields network on 1st of March. We are very enthusiastic about the opportunities this will provide, increasing our coverage across NZ and adding significant expertise to our Dairy network. With the largest areas of growth being in the Waikato and Taranaki regions, this now gives the company complete North Island coverage.
The continued dry weather is providing more boner cows to the market place as farmers look to ease stocking rates. At Matamata on Monday boners were trading at between $1-20 and $1-35 cpk. Though a definite easing in the price was evident there was still strong demand with some evidence there is interest from buyers looking to put paddock cows together.
Store lambs are also experiencing an easing in value. While $3-10 to $3-20 has still been achievable in some regions a further 10c to 20c drop is anticipated.
Store cattle numbers at auction have eased after the rush of the early year cattle fairs with values showing the same easing trend. With the weaner fairs just around the corner, the first of which start in the far north and Tuakau at the end of this month we are hopeful the wet weather forecast will bring some relief for those most affected by the dry conditions and ensure these sales start on a positive note.
Carrfields Livestock will offer in excess of 7000 calves over the fortnight of weaner fairs in Northland and Tuakau and I am hopeful we can report strong demand and prices that reward our breeders for the very important role they play in our industry.
Hopefully you all receive your fair share of the forecast rain.
