Bull sale season has kicked off, with around 30 sales over the wider Canterbury region this month.

The second on-farm bull sale for Cleardale Genetics saw 27 of the 29 R2 Angus bulls sell for an average price of $7195. The top seller was lot 27, going for $14500.

The auction was held on the Todhunter family's Rakaia Gorge property on June 12.

Cleardale Station owner and breeder Ben Todhunter said he was happy with the auction results.

"It's been a good turnout, and I'm happy with the clearance," Todhunter said.

"And we have some new buyers here, which is good.

"There's been good bidding on some of the bulls."

Todhunter said they had learned from Cleardales' previous auction and made a few changes that had contributed to the success of the 2023 sale.

"We have done a lot more publicity.

"The genetics is probably better, and we've run them through an auction ring instead of just off the book.

"We have had a different agency coming in.

"It's a combination of things."

Hazlett Livestock agent Callum Dunnett said bull sales had been going well across the board, despite the rate of on-farm inflation, although some sales were not getting full clearances.

"People are prepared to buy the one they require, but due to farm expenditure, probably not two.

"They are just going to buy the bull they are really happy with."

Dunnett said farmers would still need to purchase and are prepared to buy quality.

With some sales offering up to 70-80 bulls, there was plenty for farmers to choose from.

"There's a lot of quality on offer.

"Farmers are spoilt for choice," Dunnett said.

by Claire Inkson