Analyst Intel Archives

Out on New Zealand’s rolling green hills, lambing is still under way or farmers are tackling the docking scrim in strong winds.

Spring store cattle markets are beginning to get under way in earnest, making it a good time to observe how the lead up to summer may play out.

Where are these prices heading? Join AgriHQ analysts Suz Bremner, Mel Croad and Nicola Dennis as they discuss the latest Livestock Outlook report, competition in the Chinese markets and unsold lamb racks.

The ewes with lambs-at-foot (LAF) market has not lived up to year-ago levels, however prices haven’t been bad. It would seem poor scanning results because of the earlier drought will have left some farms in need of replacement stock.

So far spring has provided farmers with mixed fortunes, as conditions have been great for lambing and calving in most areas, but once again we find ourselves with very limited rain falling and that is starting to cause concern.

Enthusiasm for calf rearing has taken a knock for the second season in a row after repeated poor returns.

The feeder calf market has not been smooth sailing this year. In fact, it has been the hardest market PGG Wrightson Waikato’s feeder calf guru Neil Lyons has seen, and he has seen a few in his nearly 60 years in the industry.

If you want to see how rural style fundraising is done, check out what the East Coast of the North Island is able to achieve in support of the Cancer Society – by holding a good old fashioned stock drive.

A brewing La Nina weather pattern may be what the doctor ordered for regions still concerned about dry conditions.

Why are cattle schedules lower in the South Island? Join AgriHQ analysts Suz Bremner, Mel Croad and Nicola Dennis as they discuss prices paid for good store cattle, competition amongst meat processors and things to look out for when comparing schedules between the islands.