When we started our website on livestock prices, one cynical cocky said to me, "Your site just reinforces the belief that farmers are their worst enemies when it comes to paying ridiculous livestock prices." I have never been that cynical, but every now and then some price levels do make you wonder??? Lorneville sale for 3000 2ths average $192 av, tops to $204. Other sales in both islands saw tops averaging $160-$182!! This week M&WNZ released its mid season market update and with low wool and lamb figures resulting in a poor net profit before tax, its hard to see the logic in paying such high prices. Certainly there is a shortage of good store sheep, and with last years drought and high prices for lambs, this will have dented the 2 tooth market. But surely there are other options rather than paying such an exorbitant amount for young stock. The store lamb market appears to be similarily afflicted with many sales averaging in the high $60-$70 mark. Maybe this reflects the works buyers chasing procurement, but average prime lambs are not selling for much more. Certainly feed does determine farmers optimism but with most processors warning of producing too many heavy weight lambs after Easter, are cockies reading the signals? Let us know what you believe is driving the store sheep market at present, maybe this old ex cocky has lost touch!!
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