Strong prices at the Temuka Saleyards for the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme

The Temuka Saleyards hosted IHC calf sales this week.

Content brought to you by PGG Wrightson

It was all go today when The Country’s Jamie Mackay caught up with PGG Wrightson Livestock Manager - Dairy, Barry Fox, live at the Temuka Saleyards.

Fox was taking in the sights of the IHC Beef Calf Sale–and the sounds, with cattle bellowing in the background.

It was day two of the sale when Mackay caught up with Fox, who said there had been strong demand and impressive prices, with farmers and stock agents rallying behind the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme.

Yesterday’s IHC Friesian Calf Sale went well, with the bull section averaging around $660–$670 per calf.

Fox said about 220 donated animals came from across the region, including Ōamaru and Temuka.

“The quality of the bigger portion of Friesians was very good from the farmers this year,” Fox said.

Today’s beef-cross calves are fetching even higher prices.

“Just five minutes ago, the first 10 IHC heifers sold for $720; they were $115 per kilo average,” Fox said.

“$940 is the top price with some Charolais, but they’re obviously not the IHC, but that’s the top price so far today.”

Fox praised farmers for their generosity and effort in rearing donated calves, despite extra paperwork requirements following recent legislative changes.

“The background of it is the money going to the IHC, and we had a group of them here yesterday, which was fantastic–they got to sit and watch the calves being sold.

“So when you see we’re teaming up and helping out, it makes it worthwhile.”

The IHC Calf and Rural Scheme has been running for more than 40 years, raising funds to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families in rural New Zealand.

Farmers pledge a calf (or other livestock) to IHC, tag it with a distinctive pink ear tag alongside its NAIT tag, and send it to sale through their local saleyard.

When the animal is sold, the proceeds go directly to IHC.

For those unable to donate livestock, there’s the option to give a “virtual calf” — a cash donation equivalent to the value of a calf.

These contributions help fund services such as family support, volunteer programmes, advocacy, and community initiatives that make life better for people with intellectual disabilities.

PGG Wrightson has been a key partner in the scheme since its inception, ensuring donated animals achieve strong prices at saleyards nationwide.

If you wish to donate to support the IHC, you can do so here.

Barry Fox, PGG Wrightson’s Dairy Livestock Manager, gives an outlook of what’s happening in the industry currently.

Whether they’re guiding you on the right time to sell, or securing stock for you, PGG Wrightson’s Livestock team are right there alongside farmers like you.

For more insights like Barry’s, plus updates on pricing, on-farm sales, genetics and everything in between, visit the PGG Wrightson Livestock Hub.

Because no matter what’s moving in the market, they’re there to help you move with it.