Breeders bullish after record sales

Bull prices in Otago and Southland are averaging between $7000 and $9000. Photo: ODT.

High beef prices and record calf sales have paid dividends for southern beef-bull breeders,  some of whom are celebrating their best sales to date. Nicole Sharp reports.

Prices are up and bull breeders are happy, following a successful selling season.Bull breeders throughout Southland and Otago have been hosting fellow farmers on farm for sales over the past couple of months.

Rural Livestock Southland livestock manager Rodger Eade said bull sales had been very strong this year, with a better clearance of bulls than in previous years.

"The strong pricing and clearance is due to a strong beef market with a good forecast. It is always nice to go into bull sale time after having extremely buoyant calf sales."

Bulls on offer from southern breeders had been presented well, following a good growing season, he said.

"Let's hope that the strong meat market for sheep and beef continues into 2018 and beyond."

PGG Wrightson livestock genetics representative Callum McDonald said bull sales had been going strong on the back of high beef prices and record calf-sale prices.

"We have seen clients buying good-quality bulls and investing in genetics to set them up for future years."

Prices in Otago and Southland were averaging between $7000 and $9000, which was up on previous years, Mr McDonald said Glenside Simmental owner Garry McCorkindale, of Waitahuna, said he sold 14 bulls this year with prices up 10%-15% on his five-year average.

His top price was $14,500  and he averaged $6950.

Mt Linton Station general manager Ceri Lewis, of Ohai, said the station sold 103 bulls by private treaty this year, selling everything that had been catalogued.

This was 30 more than last year and prices averaged  $5500. Bulls went as far north as Warkworth,  72 heading to the North Island overall, he said.

Earnscleugh Station co-owner Alistair Campbell, of Alexandra, said the station had a very good sale, selling 85 bulls for an average of $6876.

It sold 22 red composites, nine black composites, 32 Angus bulls and 22 Hereford bulls. Top prices were $12,000 for red composite, Angus and Hereford and $7000 for black composite, Mr Campbell said.

Beresford Simmental, owned by Warren and Steph Burgess, of Puketiro, sold 11  of their 16 bulls on sale day, with the remaining being sold since. The sale was on par with previous years, prices averaging $5400, they said.

The bulls went to buyers in the Catlins area up to Clarks Junction,  Balfour and  Glenorchy.
Poller View Charollais owner Allan Roulston, of Balclutha, said he had a great bull sale season, selling more this time than most other seasons.

"The price was up, owing to a good calf-selling season," he said.

"Buyers were attracted to the temperament that they could get in the pen with them and feel safe and the fact they last and they are bred for southern conditions."

The bulls went to buyers from South Otago and  Middlemarch.