Interest in beef cattle, which started with the autumn calf sales, has continued with bull sales, stock agents say.
PGG Wrightson livestock genetics Otago manager Roger Keach said sales were generally sound, with many breeders enjoying higher prices than last year.
Top price among Otago vendors in the first two weeks of sales was $14,500 for a Simmental bull sold by Glenside Simmentals at Waitahuna to Waimate breeder Simon McRae.
The price was an on-farm sale record.
The McCorkindale family had a strong sale, with Hakataramea Station at Kurow paying $10,500 and Bullock Hill Station, at Rangiora, $10,000.
Gray and Robyn Pannett, from Limehills Herefords at Millers Flat, also had a strong sale, selling two bulls for $10,000 to Alan and Richard Hore, at Beaumont Station, as well as to Robbie Burrows, of Beechwood at Culverden, and others for $9000 and $8500.
Four bulls were sold to studs.
Westview Charolais sold a bull for $10,000 to noted South Otago weaner calf-breeder Bruce Murray.