The Weekly Livestock Report: Wind damage affects trees power and irrigators but grass still growing

DAIRY

The growthy spring continues although a major wind storm interrupted Canterbury farms with major damage to trees, power supply and irrigators and even some stock losses.

The unprepared without generators were caught out by the extensive power outages and those that have only one irrigator to distribute excess effluent were scrambling for alternative distribution systems.

Coping with extreme weather conditions are part of a farm managers responsibilities and with a reported 800 irrigators down, parts and repairs are urgently needed before soils dry and water is needed to maintain grass growth.

Northern herds have actioned mating plans and bull management, while in the south production figures are well ahead of last year, and extra grass is being targeted at low BCS cows to increase bodyweight for successful joining.

Fonterra has passed the regular Commerce Commission review on its raw milk pricing, and announced further expansion plans for its Chinese dairy farm developments.

More questions have been asked on the safety of PKE as all issues of food security are scrutinized thoroughly after the recent food scares.

LAMB

The wind storm will have caused some casualties for multiples in the midst of lambing, but better feed covers should minimize those losses.

The spring schedule increases are starting to lose momentum on last year’s product, but processors are chasing new season procurement early, with annual commitment and volume premiums offered for a predicted 2 million less lambs.

Alliance’s Pukeuri is back at work after a successful audit by the MPI, after failures in its meat documentation systems were exposed by incorrect labeling in meat exports to China.

Mutton schedule prices have stabilized at levels higher than last year, store lambs have all but finished at saleyards, but ewes and lambs all counted are trading strongly in the $65-$80 range.

Reports suggest the Meat Industry Excellence Group are planning on putting up candidates for directorships on the meat Co-Ops as they keep the pressure on to force long term change in the sector.

WOOL

The latest South Island auction saw prices reach 18 month highs as lower volumes have forced exporters to compete strongly, even though the currency has strengthened significantly in the last week.

Crossbred wool indicators are now in the 510-538c clean range and merino wools have also made a strong recovery to sit close to last years average levels.

Wools of NZ are conducting a road show in the Gisborne area as they work hard to get farmers to increase their support with their plan to reinvigorate the coarse wool industry.

BEEF

Beef schedule prices have flattened in a quiet time of year but the yearly prices reinforce good demand for the product. Early new season predictions by one processor suggests bull and steer schedules should sit in the 390-410cpk range peak season, but the rapid rise of the US currency this week is a concern.

Young cattle are meeting good demand at saleyards up and down the country as managers look for ways to utilize this early spring growth and excellent prices have been received at early bull sales in the north as dairy and beef farmers compete strongly for the new seasons beef genes.

DEER

No venison schedules rises this week as prices are now at levels predicted for next spring by one processor (700-750cpk), and the northern hemisphere chilled season is being described as quiet but steady.

Another stable year of pricing is predicted for velvet as this industry rids itself of it’s volatile past and lives with volumes that fits the market needs.