There have been 30-40 per cent more dairy cows through the yards over the past two to three months than last year, and significantly more than over the past decade.

"Dairy cows that are normally sold to the works are being sold through the sale," said Williams and Kettle Stratford's auctioneer, Miles Waite.

"They are worth twice as much. Farmers are buying cows that were empty last year or older cows that would normally go as killers.

"They will get them in calf and sell to the dairy farmer next year or keep them to boost their own numbers."

Waite said that at a sale last month, these type of cattle were making between $750 and $800, whereas they would have only made $450 to $500 at the works.

Source: Stuff.co.nz