Staffing issues slow cow kill
PULSE: Wood markets back to booming
The wider log market has returned to form following what was a volatile and unsavoury spell last year. Like with a lot of commodities, it is China leading the market. Though sales within New Zealand are going gangbusters too.
ACROSS THE RAILS: First big week of weaner fairs
The North Island weaner fair market booted back into life after a year’s hiatus. The odd teaser sale had been held the week before, but a few significant yards last week has given everyone the much-awaited benchmark to crack on with trading.
PULSE: How Aussie’s pain benefits NZ
Farmers in Australia were bucked off their hypothetical horse in 2019 and early-2020 when drought was followed by bush fires, then covid-19. And they’re getting back on it without any hesitancy, for better or worse.
ACROSS THE RAILS: Masterton locals compete for ewes
Next to Australia, New Zealand has looked a bit like the depressed cousin of the sheep world lately. They’ve been eagerly jumping back on track following drought and bushfires, whereas NZ farmers have taken the past year as a cue to further cut back sheep numbers.
PULSE: Reliable cattle an underrated insurance policy
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.
PULSE: Split market gap widening
Store cattle markets are fickle beasts the best of times.
A long list of factors shifts livestock values up or down but ultimately it comes down to buyer confidence about what the future holds.
Feed swing for eastern NI
Much needed rainfall has relieved drought-like conditions and resulted in a massive swing in feed conditions through the eastern North Island during February.
Pasture growth indicator reflects mixed conditions
(DATA ANALYSIS) Northern and eastern regions of the North Island have deteriorated further into drought, carrying on from the similarly tough December, while other parts of the country find themselves under very little pressure.
Pasture growth conditions variable
(DATA ANALYSIS) Variable weather conditions across the country have delivered mixed results for pasture growth with some regions facing a dry period while others are faring reasonably well.