The fundraiser, held in conjunction with yesterday's Waiareka stock sale, was organised in just a week and was done with the support of trucking firms and livestock agents.
All proceeds from the sale of donated stock went to the relief fund.
PGG Wrightson stock agent Glenn Hopkinson said buyers entered into the spirit of the appeal and the quality of the stock was very good.
Stan Davis, who has been regularly attending the weekly sale for more than 80 years, said it was the largest crowd he had seen for many years.
One of the organisers, Jeff Thompson, was thrilled with the outcome, saying the figure might yet come close to $70,000 as there were some farmers who could not get stock to the sale in time and planned to give a donation instead.
Pens would still be identified as being for the earthquake appeal at sales for the next few weeks for anyone wanting to provide stock.
There were 71 cattle and 240 sheep offered, with an average price of $144.30 for prime ewes, $156.20 for prime lambs, $82.33 for store lambs, $944.77 for prime cattle and $380.08 for store cattle, which comprised mainly calves.
Mr Thompson has challenged other Young Farmers clubs to organise similar fundraisers.
