Wednesday, 27 June 2012 16:24

North Island store cattle market firms by 5c/kg

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Demand for R2yr cattle remains strong in most regions while farmers enter the market looking for replacements.

There are a few that aren't looking to replace yet, as they are waiting for schedules to gain more ground before they kill. Steer prices in particular lifted again last week, by 5c/kg with 450kg steers now $2.20/kg through most of the North Island. Good steers 400kg and lighter are fetching up to $2.30/kg. R2yr 450kg and under a preferred since farmers steer away from the heavier cattle in the winter. But some are biting the bullet seeing there is a supply of some sort, and it happens to be heavy cattle. Other than the few that are looking to replace, general demand is waning. Winter mode is definitely kicking in as a lot of guys don't have the feed anymore. Some regions that are typically wet this time of year are under no pressure to sell so supply is further restricted e.g. Northland. There is huge demand for bulls, but to find them, it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. Few R1yr cattle are being traded and they are mainly just tidy up mobs. The cattle sale at Feilding on Friday was a strong one, in particular for the older bulls. Some specially advertised weaner steers were snapped up enthusiastically, with 250kg types making $2.80/kg.

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Market Brief by iFarm.co.nz

iFarm the leading source of agri-market prices, information and analysis for NZ farmers. Receive benchmark prices for the works, store and saleyard markets delivered direct to your inbox. Visit www.ifarm.co.nz or call 0508 873 283.

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