Wednesday, July 11, 2012 • Barrie Gordon
THE sale of 832 cattle at Matawhero may have been the smallest that the writer can recall, but it was hugely significant in that it was the region’s first sale under the new National Animal Identification Tracking (NAIT) scheme.
It was a testing time for agents and clerical staff, all of whom adapted well after the odd hiccup or two. With two scanning venues, lines of cattle were soon moved to pens.
Senior management commented the overall cost, incuding the two scanning sites, could be close to $100,000. These will be essential when much larger yardings come around.
As to the sale itself, it was very good indeed. Buyers from Hawke’s Bay and the Waikato turned up seeking bargains, but there weren’t any. All classes and grades attracted spirited bidding, especially the better-bred quality lines.
R2 steers were in demand — Taheke Station’s well-grown Devon-cross selling at $1065 and $1050, while well-bred Angus from Mangaheia Station fetched $1000, 1030 and $1050 for their first three lots.
CPK rates ranged from $2.29-$2.73/kgLW (estimated).
Rather light VIC cows sold at $810-$932 and heavier cows, also VIC, made as much as $1250. The R2 heifer section offered some well-conditioned lines. R.F. Thompson topped the sale with the $872 paid for 52 solid Charolais and he made $790 for his second 46.
Straight Angus from Mangaheia Station fetched $760-$800 and R3 heifers from Glentui Station made $800.
Just 118 yearling steers were entered and sold very freely! Mangaheia Station featured again with the $570-$600 paid for two lines of Angus but this was topped by Ball Proprietors’ three big Maine Anjou steers which made $845.
Even quite small sorts still drew final bids of $535-$565.
Yearling heifers met with a similar demand. The smaller they were, the better they sold. The top range was $525-$592, with others at $400-$480 and some of the quite small heifers making $3.00/kgLW — but most were estimated at $2.38-$2.66/kgLW.
R2 Hereford bulls sold well, a consignment from St Leger Station making $1180-$1260.
Sales included: R2 steers: Taheke Station 14 at $1065, 12 at $1050; Mangaheia Station12 at $1000, 72 at $1030, 12 at $1017, 22 at $810; Waitahaiia Station 18 at $780, 9 at $560.
R1 steers: Mangahanea Station 14 at $600, 20 at $570, 18 at $535; Ball Proprietors, 3 at $845; Leahy Partnership 8 (Fries) at $475; Puketoro Station 11 at $565, 16 at $540.
R2 heifers; R.F. Thompson 52 at $872, 46 at $790; Mangaheia Station 10 at $800, 24 at $760, 14 at $762; Paparatu Station 12 at $5895; A.J. Parker 8 at $67; Titoki Station 10 at $810.
R1 heifers: Wharekiri Station 13 at $525; Hukanui Station 8 at $450; Mangaoporo Station 14 at $592, 7 at $480.