WAIKATO STOCK MARKETS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 13, 16 January 1930, Page 4

WAIKATO STOCK MARKETS.

THE WEEK REVIEWED...

BUSINESS NOT BRISK;

The stock business in the Waikatois once'more in full swing, but owing to the weather conditions the usual January activities are not so brisk just yet. Shearing and harvesting operations are still being continued, and this naturally hinders the farmer ,in getting his stock ready for the market. Especially is this so with store stock, and up to this week very few lines of store sheep have been offered locally. .There is still an inquiry for breeding ewes and a fair inquiry for lambs, but the prices asked by vendors seem, in most cases, to be in excess of what the purchasers are prepared ,to pay. However, with the Waingaro lamb and wether fair being held this week, and also a fair entry at the local sales, a standard of value no doubt will be set, and better business will result. It appears as if store wethers will be easier, especially two-tooths, and there is not nearly the inquiry for this class of stock that there was last year. There is a very strong demand for all store cattle. Bullocks of 2% yeai'3 and over are eagerly sought after, while forward conditioned store cows are also in demand. Jersey and Jersey cross eighteen-months heifers in calf are also being sold under good competition, and a demand has set in for weaner heifer calves. Shorthorn steer calves are also being inquired for, and it looks as though this class of stock will be in keen demand this autumn. At the various sales held since the holidays beef '■'as been penned in larger quantities than usual, and competition, especially for good quality ox, has been very keen. Cow and heifer beef has also been sought after at prices that would equal about 38/ per 1001b. There seems every likelihood_ of ox beef being purchased for export in the very near future, and no doubt this will help to keep the • price of fat bullocks good for some time to come. There has also been a sharp rise in all classes of pigs. The farmers .are inquiring for store and weaner pigs, and these have shown a.considerable increase. Keen competition exists among the various firms operating for fat baconers and porkers, and the. prices which have been realised in the yards have been considerably better , than those which the same firms have been giving over the scales, and it certainly ; looks as though the pig farmers are in for a good time this coming season.