Precautions for feeder calf sales in Tararua

Top price of $260 for these four Friesian bulls August 28 at the Dannevirke NZ Farmers Livestock sale last year reflected the confidence in the industry.

All companies trading locally in Tararua are carrying out extreme precautions at their sales, monitoring the origin of stock with strict paperwork and thoroughly disinfecting the yards after each sale.

In the wake of the M. Bovis threat what will happen when the feeder calf sales begin in Tararua in the next weeks requires a bit of crystal ball gazing, according to Sam Arends of Carrfields.

His company has decided to enter the market in Tararua starting regular weekly sales on a Wednesday at the Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds. Sales of Friesian bull calves for between $150-180 around NZ already this season suggest interest is still high.

Sam says anecdotal evidence suggests there will be sellers and buyers ready to participate and Carrfields is keen to see some of the Tararua calves which used to go over to Manfeild being sold locally, especially with the cost of transport biting.

Carrfields joins NZ Farmers Livestock at the same venue but using different pens and on different days. NZ Farmers Livestock starts this season's sales on Monday July 30 with another on Thursday August 2. Livestock agent Cameron Smith says it should be business as usual.

He says no farms in Taranaki or Manawatu are under watch for M. Bovis and he says there should be little risk at the sale yards. Cameron thinks this might attract buyers from out of the district.

All companies trading locally in Tararua are carrying out extreme precautions at their sales, monitoring the origin of stock with strict paperwork and thoroughly disinfecting the yards after each sale.

He does not know whether farmers will send more stock to the saleyards rather than having people come onto their properties to buy on-site. He thinks the sale of calves in small pens at the A&P Showgrounds is beneficial as stock from different farms are separated.

PGG Wrightsons start sales Tuesday August 31 at their Mangatainoka complex. Sales Rep Tim Pickering expects the success of the complex after two great years will continue.

His company has sent out a circular to all of its last season clients detailing the requirements for farmers contributing livestock to counter the risk of M. Bovis.

The complex and also trucks bringing in livestock will be disinfected with each sale.
Agents think the continual demand for beef will keep calf rearers in business, especially as the Friesian X bull calf is a big part of the beef industry.