Northland Stock Report: Fewer cattle; farmers keep grass in check

Many Northland sales have been cancelled because of the weather.

Farm conditions are unusual, with 100ml to 200ml of rain in places. This, and high temperatures, has made grass go mad. Farmers are holding cattle or buying more to control growth. Half the sales are postponed or cancelled through lack of cattle.

WELLSFORD SALE:

The weekly sale at Wellsford on Monday 12 saw a big lift in prices after excellent rain. 18-month steers sold for $1180 to $1320 (3.28c-3.59c). Weaner steers $655 and $660 (3.28c-3.30c), 15-month bulls $1000 to $1195 (2.17c-2.37c). Light cows made $640 to $770 (1.63c-1.80c) and heavy dry cows $1840 (2.18c). 18-month heifers made $955 to $1005 (2.50c-3.05c).

KAURI SALE:

A much better sale at Kauri on Tuesday 13 with 154 good-quality cattle. Autumn-born feeder calves start next Tuesday 20. Good 18-month Whiteface steers made $1260 and $1280, Murray Grey steers $1150, Herefords $1160, Hereford cross steers $1030 to $1090, down to $940, 1-year cross bred bulls $660, down to $465 to $550 and small bulls $390. 18-month Whiteface heifers made $1015 to $1030 then $930 to $945. 1-year Hereford heifers $865. Weaner crossbred heifers sold for $510 to $575, Angus cross heifers $485 to $490 and Whiteface heifers, $370 to $410.

KAIKOHE SALE:

A light yarding with 420 cattle; strong market, not the level of last week, but the cattle were not as good. Good 18-month steers Angus, Whiteface, Hereford and Simmental sold for $1200 to $1320 (3.15c-3.60c), Friesian steers $1000 (3.00c).

Hereford and Angus 20-month bulls made $1500 to $1800 (2.90c-2.95c), Friesian cross bulls (2.80c), Jersey bulls $670 to $900 (2.40c), Autumn-born Friesian bulls $870 (2.30c), Weaner Charolais bulls $650. Good Hereford and Hereford cross 18-month heifers sold for $1200 to $1490 (2.50c-2.90c). Angus/Friesian and Whiteface weaner heifers sold for $550 to $600 down to $490 to $520. Light Friesian cows made $600 to $700 (1.75c).