Packed bull sale in Marlborough

Farmers came from far and wide to bid on bulls at the 46th Annual Blenheim Bull Sale on Monday reports The Marlborough Express. PGG Wrightson Livestock representative Peter Barnes said the packed gallery of buyers at the Riverlands saleyard was the largest he had seen at the sale in more than five years. While 58 buyers come from outside the district, the large contingent of Marlborough farmers meant most of the bulls stayed in the region. Mr Barnes said the turnout could be attributed to a good calf-selling season and stabilising beef cow numbers within the district following stalled changes in land use in recent years. All 48 bulls at the sale sold. "There weren't any extreme highs or lows throughout the catalogues, leading to a good result for both breeders and buyers." He said it was probably the last time two of the studs would be selling at Riverlands. Keith and Gaye Higgins were transferring to the Wairarapa with their Oregon angus stud, while Chris and Amanda Jeffries were taking their operation south to Cheviot. Mr Barnes said there was also a good turnout at the Taimate Angus Bull Sale held last week, with 35 people registered from throughout Marlborough, the outer Sounds, Kaikoura, Oxford and Fairlie. Of the 24 bulls on offer, 23 sold for an average of $4300.He said the sale was strong and above average."There has been a bit of money spent on genetics and good sires, and that is starting to come through in Taimate." A good growing season had ensured bulls at both sales were in good condition, he said.