Golden calves reward rearers’ efforts in New Zealand

After a tough few years for calf rearers, to the point where some large-scale operators have abandoned the trade, it’s great to see those that stuck it out finally receiving good money for their calves. Of course, costs haven’t come down, and reliable labour has remained difficult to secure. But the prices paid have consistently floated around record levels – unlike any other class of livestock throughout the country. This spring the North Island yards have seen $20-$30 more paid than last year on 100-130kg lines. Friesian bulls have averaged $533, though they’ve typically been a little stronger in the paddock. There are a few reasons behind the development of this trend. One is the simple fact that fewer calves were reared, especially those that were born later. This mainly applies to the South Island, whose bobby kill was up 50,000 head on last year. But that has flow-on effects for the North Island, given a large number are usually traded over the Cook Strait in their lifetime. ...