PGG Wrightson Lower South Island livestock genetics rep Callum McDonald said demand for bulls was soft at sales because farmers were retaining the ones they had rather than replacing them to save money.
"Instead of buying a couple of extra bulls, they’ll make do with what they’ve got at home."
He would attend more than 20 bull sales in Otago and Southland this season.
The average prices and clearance rates since the first sale in the south on May 16 were back on last year.
"You’d expect that where the industry is at, but we are reasonably happy."
The top bulls featuring good genetics remained in demand.
"Buyers are still chasing those better-end bulls."
The highest price paid for a bull this season in Otago and Southland was $22,000 at Monymusk Herefords in Te Anau last week.
Glenbrae Stud in Hawke’s Bay bought the bull.
Monymusk Herefords co-owner Chris Douglas, of Te Anau, said the price fetched for the "meaty and well put together" bull Resolution 220204 was "quite satisfying".
The average price was up on last year, but the clearance rate at the 36th annual sale could have been better.
"It is just a sign of the times."
Umbrella Range Angus owner Jeremy Gunton, of Waikaia, said he was "really happy" with the result of his eighth annual bull sale.
The average price of $8350 was higher than the about $7500 average price last year.
"It is a up a fair bit."
Buyers were mostly from Otago and Southland.
"Most went to repeat buyers. It was a steady sale with an awesome clearance."
Limehills Herefords owner Gray Pannett, of Millers Flat, said he was "very happy" with the result of his 45th annual sale.
The average sale price was back about $1500 on the sale last year and the clearance rate was "back a wee bit".
"Considering the state of farming and people being short of cash, it was a good result."
Waikaka Station owner Laurie Paterson, of Greenvale, said he was pretty happy with his result of his 50th sale.
All of the eight heifer calves on offer sold for an average of $3237 "so that was quite successful".
Of the bulls, 20 were offered and 11 sold including a top price of $17,500.
"It is a struggle for sheep and beef farmers this year, so we’ll take it. It was good to see a lot of clients, old and new and the party was very good."
Statistics
Umbrella Range Angus in Waikaia on May 27.
Peters Angus in Beaumont on May 28.
Sold 21 of 25. Average $6950. Top $11,000 twice.
Limehills Herefords in Millers Flat on May 28.
Sold 44 of 53. Average $7100. Top $16,000 twice.
Pikoburn Angus in Tuatapere on May 29.
Sold 15 of 15. Average $6900. Top $11,000.
Monymusk Herefords in Te Anau on May 29.
Sold 22 of 29. Average $7636. Top $22,000.
Waimara Angus in Eastern Bush on May 30.
Sold 28 of 29. Average $7200. Top $14,500.
Waikaka Herefords in Greenvale on May 30.
Sold 11 of 20. Average $7363. Top $17,500.
