Feed shortages and a surplus of in-calf heifers in Taranaki are affecting the market, but buyers may face higher prices in the spring.
Farmers with feed and good cash flow may be able to buy stock at favourable prices now reports The Taranaki Daily. The current market for in-calf heifers was not good, longtime stock dealer Eric Sole, of Stratford, said at Tuesday’s Stratford stock sale.Some farmers were having to sell their animals because they were short of grass, and those who had money and grass were likely to pick up bargains, he said. A Rahotu sharemilker, who identified himself only as Ross and who was selling his budget cows, said animals were not making what they should, considering the payout and the money spent on grazing.”Sellers are not making much. It’s because there’s not the movement in farm sales. Sharemilkers are not moving, so stock are not moving,” he said.
PGG Wrightson regional manager Don Newland, of New Plymouth, said dairy heifer buyers were being cautious and selective on quality.He believed some buyers were reluctant because they were struggling to feed existing stock.Many dairy farmers were already well into their supply of winter feed, and grazing, hay and silage were becoming difficult to find. What was available was quite costly, he said. Prices ranged from $700 to $1100, depending on quality and whether they were complete replacement lines or part lines. “But I believe if we have a favourable spring and get good grass growth, the demand will increase. The positive announcement on the payout will also increase demand,” he said.
Allied Farmers’ dairying co- ordinator for Taranaki, Kim Harrison, said the market for top- quality stock remained buoyant. While there were variations in price and quality, some heifers were fetching up to $2000. Good-quality Friesian and Friesian-cross heifers were being sold easily. However, the market for Jersey-type heifers was slower, although his company sold a top line of Jersey-cross heifers for $1200 last week.
We welcome your comments below. If you are not already registered, please register to comment.
Remember we welcome robust, respectful and insightful debate. We don't welcome abusive or defamatory comments and will de-register those repeatedly making such comments. Our current comment policy is here.