Calf prices were back by as much as $50 a head at the Cromwell calf sale last week, compared with last year, but the sale was still considered strong.
Steers prices were back about $50 a head and heifers, which agents say had a strong sale, were only back $25 to $30 compared with last year, when the market was influenced by surplus feed crops and plenty of grass.
The top steer price went to Kawarau Station, which sold 13 Simmental cross steers for $645, another 16 for $630 and 15 shorthorn cross steers for $570.
Carrick Station sold two pens of 16 Angus cross steers for $640 and $560 and Riverbank partnership sold 15 Angus cross steers for $630 and seven Devon cross steers for $545.
Kawarau Station also topped the heifer offering with two lines of Simmental cross, 15 for $490 and 17 for $435, while Cone Peak Station sold 25 Angus for $460, Waitiri Station 13 Charolais cross for $45 and Nine Mile Station 23 Angus for $430.