Very good prices at the start of the feeder calf sales season July 30-31 should hearten farmers.
Although there were only small yardings — a total of 80 calves over two sales — bidding was keen for well presented feeder calves.
Friesian bull calves were comparable at both the NZ Farmers Livestock Dannevirke Sale and PGG Wrightson's Mangatainoka Sale prices ranging from $165 to $215/head for the best.
Beef crosses were very popular, Angus X bulls and Hereford x bulls going for $175-$210/head and a few white faces. There were 20 good quality Angus X heifer calves which matched the bull prices ranging from $165- $195.
Some buyers came from Central Hawke's Bay. One said she thought prices were high but she had plenty of whole milk.
Sales continue and livestock agents expect the numbers to swell as the season progresses, attracting buyers looking for larger numbers.
This week there are more sales:
Monday August 6 — NZ Farmer's Livestock Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds
Tuesday August 7 — PGG Wrightsons — Mangatainoka
Wednesday August 8 — Carrfields — Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds
Thursday August 9 — NZ Farmer's Livestock Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds.
This pattern will continue over the next two months.