As we roll into Christmas 2023, without a doubt the year has been a challenging one for many. Carrfields would like to spare a thought for all those farming families and communities affected by the flooding in the Gisborne and Hawkes Bay and Northland regions and the ongoing impact this devastation continues to have.

On an agricultural note, good late Spring rain in most parts of the country has meant an outstanding start to summer from a feed perspective. Lamb and Mutton prices continue to disappoint and reflect weaker export market returns. The dairy beef weaner market remains strong, and we look forward to our annual weaner fairs in early 2024 where we sell large numbers of dairy beef, traditional and exotic weaners on behalf of our clients, both on-farm and through our saleyard network. Nationally, store cattle pricing is also reflecting good levels of feed across the country.

Saleyard operations remain an important part of the Carrfields Livestock business across New Zealand with these sales often benchmarking store prices. Whilst we do not believe Covid 19 will cause the same level of disruption as it has done in previous years, we have continued to embrace online selling platforms as a tool for our clients. Carrfields’ dairy business is going from strength to strength and we continue to provide expert advice and sales support for dairy farmers. In the on-farm auction space, livestreaming and the ability to bid on dairy animals online has taken an already successful sales model and made it better for all involved. No on-farm dairy auctions were conducted in 2023 without having this online service available. We believe online buying and selling is here to stay and whilst it is unlikely to completely replace traditional buying and selling methods, it has provided us all with another convenient tool to market livestock.

The new coalition government is making promising noises regarding the resumption of live export and we will continue to watch this space as things develop. Whatever your opinion is of this trade, it has been an important and entrenched part of our agricultural economy for decades now, and many would welcome its return.

Finally, I wanted to reach out and say thanks very much for your continued support as 2023 draws to an end. On behalf of the entire Carrfields Livestock team, our Livestock Representatives, Administrators and Management, have a great and safe Christmas.

Merry Christmas

Donald Baines
General Manager – Livestock