Calf Sale Season Opens Strongly At Temuka

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30715, 2 April 1965, Page 14

Calf Sale Season Opens Strongly At Temuka

This autumn’s round of calf sales in Canterbury began strongly when the Glen Lyon and Huxley Gorge calf sale was held at Temuka yesterday. Values were fully in line with expectations, and were perhaps a shade firmer than last year's. Heifer calves sold up to £24 for the top pen of Herefords, and a pen of Aberdeen Angus-Hereford cross steer calves brought £22. The entry was 546, compared with 550 last year. However, this season’s calves were not quite as well grown as usual, probably a reflection of the season. Even so. the calves, particularly the Herefords. were well marked nad generally of a good colour and in sound condition. The many buyers paid keen attention to the top lines, which were in brisk demand. Some of the lighter-condition and smaller calves, however, were harder to sell. Most of the calves were purchased for properties in Mid and South Canterbury, a large proportion going to Ashburton

and Fairlie. Some went to properties as far south as Palmerston, but there were virtually no North Canterbury buying interests represented. Hereford steer calves comprised most of the entry, 280 coming forward. The best sold from £2O to £2l 15s, medium sorts made £lB 5s to £l9. and smaller types £l3 5s to £l4 15s. Fifty-six calves were sold for more than £2l. Only 57 Aberdeen Angus Hereford cross steer calves were offered. They sold well, bringing from £2O to £22 10s. with 21 being sold at the top price. A year ago, Hereford steer calves made up to £lO 15s and Aberdeen Angus-Hereford cross to £2l. In the heifer calf pens, 13» were Herefords. The first two pens were quickly sold, the first lot of 10 bringing the top price of the market of £24 and the second pen of 22 £2O Medium-type Herefords so"ld from £l4 10s to £l6 10s, and others from £lO 10s to £l3 10s Last year, the best of the Herei ford heifer calves realised up to £24 15s. Ninety Aberdeen Angus-Here ford cross heifer calves met a variable demand, one top pen of 20 realising £l5 15s. Medium I to°£l0 U los. heUer ’ »