LIVE STOCK MARKET

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 128, 2 June 1938, Page 18

LIVE STOCK MARKET

MILD CONDITIONS.

SPRING-LIKE GROWTH.

FARMERS MORE CONFIDENT.

Since last review the position in regard to live stock markets has on the whole moved favourably for Auckland farmers. In regard to the export trade butter failed to maintain its peak value of 134/, slipped back to 125/, but is now steady at the lower figure.

At Smithfield the demand for lamb has eased, but there ie a better inquiry for chilled beef. Wool continues steady, in marked contrast with the depressed condition of most other commodities on the world's markets.

The weather continues extremely favourable for stock, the transition into winter being gradual. Temperatures have been* comparatively mild, though there have been brief cold spells, which have apparently prevented further outbreaks of eczema. Of conditions in the country our Waikato correspondent writes:—

"This season haa undoubtedly been remarkable. It is now the beginning of June, and the country everywhere is covered with a epring-like growth, and weather conditions are most favourable for a continuation of this growth. It is seldom that farmers, especially sheep farmers, look forward to frosts, and it is also rare that so few have taken place even at this late date. , v

"It was generally expected that a few severe froste would check the outbreak of eczema, and this assumption appears to have been correct, for even with the two or three light frosts which occurred some time ago the disease seems to have been checked. Unfortunately there are now cases of sheep which showed no outward signs of the disease just fading away and dying. Apparently they have been suffering with it inwardly.

I "The colder weather has given sheep farmers more confidence to replace their losses, and a large number of breeding ewes are changing hands by private treaty. Buyers, however, are still extremely cautious, and all sheep offered to them, whether in the yards or privately, are scrutinised very carefully for any signs of_ disease. In some of the'southern districts that have been free, sheep are realising good prices, and if local farmers want to get replacements they will have to adjust their ideas of values. Store lambs and wethers are also more popular in southern districts than in Waikato, but no doubt as colder weather is experienced all classes of sheep will sell at increased values in the Waikato aleo.

"A Wge volume of business is being transacted in the store cattle section. Male cattle, especially, are in keen demand, while female cattle are not so popular. A strong preference still exist* for young steers, and in proportion this class seems better than older steers.

Clearing Sales. The clearing sales are now in full swing, and in most cases very satisfactory averages have been recorded. Buyers, however, are very critical, even in this section, and any dairy cows showing signs of having had trouble are rejected back to grade price. In-calf heifers are also popular, and it is difficult to procure good quality animals, showing well forward incalf at anything under £10. In the pig section competition still remains keen, and although the yardings are showing signs of fallin K off, prices remain firm, especially ie this the case with stores and weaners."

MUTTON EASIER AT WESTFIELD. Though beef prices were firm at the Westneld fat stock sale yesterday an over-supply of calves resulted in a sharp drop in veal prices. An average yarding of sheep came forward and values showed an easing tendency, most noticeable in the case of unfinished sorts. Lambs sold readily at late rates, and bidding was keen for fat pigs, with vahies firm. Following is the range of prices, together with last week's:—

DALGETY AND COMPANY. Dalgety-and Company, Limited, reports: Beef.—Our yarding of beef totalled 224 head, comprising 48" -eteers and 176 cows and heifere, against 229 head last week. The quality was again first class, and, selling under a steady demand, we have to report a good sale at firm late rates. Extra choice ox sold to 39/ per lOOlb; choice and prime ox, 36/ to 38/; just killable, 32/ to 35/; prime young cow and heifer beef, 32/ to, 36/; just killable, 23/ to 31/. Extra heavy prirne eteere ranged in priee 'from £14 to £14 15/, for steers Bold on account of Mr. Henry Reed, of Waerenga; heavy I prime eteere sold from £12 5/ to £13 10/lighter prime steers, £11 10/ to £12 2/fij

light prime steers, £10 10/ to £11 5/; small and unfinished steers, £7 15/ to £9 12/6. Extra heavy prime young cows and heifers, £10 to £10 15/, for cows sold on account of Mr. J. A. Hill and Mr. H. Windsor. Heavy prime cows and heifers, £8 15/ to £9 1/; lighter prime cows and heifere, £7 10/ to £8 10/; light, £C to £7 5/; other killable cows, £4 to £5 10/. Sheep.—An average entry of sheep of mixed quality came forward. Well-finished lines sold under steady competition, and realised late rates, but plain ami unfinished sheep -were easier. Extra heavy prime wethers made from £1 16/ to £1 17/9; heavy prime, £1 14/ to £1 15/6; medium, £1 10/ to £»1 13/6; light and unfinished, £1 3/6 to £1 9 6; heavy prime ewes, £1 3/3 to £1 5'9; lighter, £1 to £1 3/; other ewee, 17/6 to 19/6. Lambs. —A small entry of lambs drew good competition and realised full late rates. Heavy prime lamb made from £1 6/ to £1 8/9; medium, £1 3/ to £1 5/; lighter. £1 1/ to £1 2/6; light. 18/ to 20/. Calves.—A very heavy yarding of calves was .penned. The supply was in excess of the demand, and values showed a sharp drop on Liet week's quotations. Kunnere sold to £6; heavy vealers, £4 5/ to £4 14/; medium, £3 10/ to £4; light, £2 10/ to £3 3/; smaller, £1 12/ to £2 5/; unfinished and bucket-fed, 12/ to £1 5/; bobby and rough calves, 5/ to 15/. Pies.—A full yarding of pigs met with a steady sale, values for both baconers and porkers ruling firm on laet week's rates. Heavy baconere, £4 5/ to £4 10/; medium, £3 18/ to £4 2/; light, £3 9/ to £3 15/; heavv porkers, £2 15/ to £32/; medium, £2 6/ to £2 10/; light, £2 to £2 4/; small and unfinished, £1 8/ to £1 16/

ALFRED BUCKLAND AND SONS. Alfred Buckland and Sons, Limited, report:— Beef.—Our total yarding of fat cattle numbered 315 head, as against 389 head last week, comprising 58 steers and 257 cows and heifers. A smaller yarding of good quality ox beef soM under keen competition at fully late quotations. Cows and heifers again were penned in large numbers and good quality sold freely at late rates, while plain and inferior sorts were easier. Extra choice ox sold to £1 19/ per 1001b; choice and prime ox, £1 16/ to £1 18/; secondary and plain ox, £1 12/ to £1 15/; prime young cow and heifer beef, £1 14/ to £1 16/; ordinary cow beef, £1 3/ to £1 8/. Extra heavy prime steers ranged in price from £14 to £15 5/. A line of 8 steers from Mr. H. H. McLaughlin, of Papatoetoe, made up to £15 5/, the line averaging £13 17/6. Steers from Mr. H. E. Reed, of Waerenga, averaged £14 7/6. Heavy prime steers sold from £12 10/ to £13 10/; lighter prime steers, £11 5/ to £12; light prime steers, £10 5/. to £11; small and unfinished £6 10/ to £9 10/; extra heavy prime young cows and heifers, £10 to £11 17/6; heavy prime cows and heifers, £7 10/ to £8 10/; lighter prime cows and heifers, £6 to £7; other killable cows, £3 5/ to £5. Sheep.—Sheep were penned to the number of £83. The quality of the yarding was not up to the usual standard and did not include any heavy sheep. Values remained on a par with late quotations. Heavy prime wethers made from £1 13/6 to £1 16/6; medium to heavy prime wethers, £1 11/ to £1 12/6; light to medium prime wethers, £19/ to £1 10/; unfinished wethers,. £1 2/6 to £1 6/6; extra heavy prime young ewes, £1 7/ to £1 8/6; heavy, prime ewes, £1 5/ to £1 6/6; lighter prime ewes, £1 1/6 to £1 3/6; other tillable ewes, 17/ to 19/6; other ewes, 9/ to Iff/. Lambs.—Our total yarding of lambs numbered 116 and sold freely at fully late quotations. Extra heavy prime lambs sold from £1 8/ to £1 12/6; heavy prime lambs, £1 4/6 to £1 6/: lighter prime lambs, £1 2/ to £1 3/; light prime lambs, 18/6 to £1 1/; small and plain lambs, 5/ to 15/. Calves.—An extra heavy yarding of calves. The demand was not so keen and values were considerably lower. Small nrime vealers sold readily at late . rates. Heavy runners, £5 5/ to £6 17/; heavy prime vealers, £4 5/ to £4 17/; medium prime vealers. £3 10/ to £4; light prime vealers, £2 10/ to £3 3/: smaller vealers, £1 10/ to £2 5/; unfinished and bucketfed calves, £1 to £1 12/; bobby calves, 4/ to 15/. A total of 343 calves was sold.

Pips.—There was an increased yarding ot pigs. Competition was very keen throughout and all classes sold readily at fully last week's rates. Choppers made from £2 10/ to £4 13/: heavy prime baconers. £4 6/ to £4 10/; medium, £3 18/ to £4 3/; light, £3 6/ to £3 15/i e o Y/ p ? rkers - £2 14/ to £3 3/; medium, £26/ to £2 11/: light, £2 to £2 4/; unfinished and small porkers. £1 5/ to £1 17/. _ Values for all .store pigs showed a firming tendency. Good breeding sows close to farrowing. £4 to £6 5/; other sows in pig. £1 15/ to £3 .V; large stores £1 2/ to £1 8/: good slips. 15/ to £1: weaners, 8/ to 14/. Bacnners averaged fi%d per lh and porkers 6V4d to 6%d per lb. A total of 704 pigs was sold.

LOAN AND MERCANTILE. The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report:— Beef.—Our yarding of beef was more than an average one. There was a steady demand, with values on a par with late quotations. Extra choice ox sold to £1 19/ per 1001b; choice and prime ox, £1 15/ to £1 18/; ordinary and plain ox, £1 10/ to £1 14/; prime young cow and heifer beef, £1 10/ to £1 16/; ordinary cow beef. £1 3/ to- £19/; heavy prime steers, £13 to' £14 10/; lighter prime steers, £11 5/ to £12 15/; light prime steers, £9 10/ to £11; plain and email, £6 10/ to £9 5/; extra heavy prime young cows and heifers, £10 to £11 5/; hefavy prime young cows and heifers, £8 10/ to £9 17/6; lighter, £7 to £8 7/6; light, £5 to £6 17/6; aged and plain finished cows, £3 to £4 17/6. Sheep.—We had an average yarding of sheep. The demand was not so keen and values were inclined to ease. Heavy prime wethers made £1 16/ to £1 17/9: medium prime wethers, £>1 13/ to £1 15/6; light prime wethers, £1 10/ to £1 12/6; small and unfinished wethers, £1 5/ to £1 9/; heay/: prime ewes, L £l 7/& *o £1 9/6; j

medium prime ewes, £1 4/ to £17/; light prime ewes, £1 to £1 3/6; just killable ewes, 16/ to 19/; other ewes, 7/ upward Lambs—Lambs in small numbers sold readily at late quotations. Heavy prime made £1 4/6 to £1 6/; medium prime, £1 2/0 to £1 4/3; light prime, 19/ to £1 2/3unfinished, best, 16/0 to 18/9; others, 12/ to 16/.

l'igs.—We had an average yarding of pigs, lliere was a steady sale, with values very firm on last week's quotations. Choppers sold from £2 to £4 3/; heavy and medium baconers, from £3 16/ to £4 13/, for an extra choice pen; light baconers and heavy porkers, £3 to £3 14/; medium porkers and light porkers, £2 8/ to £2 18/small, £1 16/ to £2 6/; unfinished, £16/ to £1 14/. Store pigs sold at late quotations. Large stores, £1 3/ to £1 8/; slips, 15/ to £1 1/; weaners, 8/ to 16/. Calves.—Our entry of calves was an exceptionally heavy one, the supply far exceeding the demand. Values were easier, especially for late sale calves. Runners sold at £3 10/ to £6 7/6; heavy vealers £3 10/ to £4 1/; medium, £3 to £3 8/ light, £2 8/ to £2 18/; smaller, £1 10/ to £2 6/; small, 18/ to £1 8/; rough calves, 10/ to £1; fresh-dropped, 5/ to 12/.

ENTRY AT STORTFORD LODGE. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) HASTINGS, Wednesday. There was another very firm sale of store sheep at Stortford Lodge. It was the largest entry since March and a total clearance was effected of the 10,000 entered. Both wethers and in-lamb ewes showed a firming tendency. Hoggets sold fully firm on improved rates last week. Two-tooth ewes, to 30/; mixed-aged ewes, to 30/; best wethers, to 26/; medium wethers, 21/6 to 23/6; best wether hoggets, to 18/10. Fat sheep sojd at last week's prices. In another large entry only quality lines were sought and an entry of medium finished ewes was hard to sell. Best wethers, to 29/6; prime, 24/6 to 26/6light, 20/ to 22/6; ewes, to 26/6. Fat cattle failed to improve on the lower price last week. The sale was dragging, prices remaining fully £1 to 30/ a head lower than a fortnight ago. Best cows, to £9 15/; bullocks, 33/ to 34/ per 1001b; heifers, 25/ to 26/; cows, 22/ to 24/. The store cattle sale reflected the fat cattle sale. In most cases vendors' ideas were too high for buyers and the greater part of 1000 entered was passed. It was an unsatisfactory sale. Weaners made to £5.

EASIER AT ADDINGTON. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCfi, Wednesday. Values showed an easing at to-day's weekly Addington etock market. Store sheep was the principal section affected, the advance up to 2/ a head being lost today. There were few buyers. Forward wethers sold well, but were easier. There was keen demand for export lamb. Fat sheep maintained rates for the few better sorts, but medium eheep were eaeier. The fat cattle penning was smaller, but there wae a drop in values approximating 15/ a head. In the subsidiary sections vealers, store cattle, and fat pigs sold well. Store sheep: About 6000 were yarded. Most of the ewee were indifferent sorts, and were passed at auction. Two-tooths sold at 26/, but old ewee were not wanted. Close on 1000 station wethers sold at from 20/10 to 21/6, about 1/6 dowo on last week. Fat sheep: 5000 were penned. The small proportion of prime sheep sold at unchanged rates, but medium classes were easier by about 1/6. Freezing ewes were unchanged. Best wethers made from 27/6 to 31/; a few tops to 37/. A draft of 70 averaged 35/6. Medium wethens ranged from 23/ to 26/; light, down to 18/; best ewes, 20/ to 23/; tops, to 27/; medium, 16/6 to 19/; light, down to 12/. Fat cattle: 505 were penned, with, fewer prime heavyweights. These were down by 15/ a head. Medium-weight prime , were unchanged, and cows and heifers were also down by 10/ to 15/. Beet cattle, from £13 10/ to £15; tops, to £16; good medium-weight, £11 10/ to £12 15/; liffht, down to £8 15/; best heifers and cows, from £8 10/ to £9 5/; tops, to £11 2/6; light cows, down to £4 10/. Fat pigs: There was a good eale. Porkers sold from 29/6 to 55/6. The average price, per lb was 6d to 6%d. Baconers, £3 1/6 to £5 4/6; average price per lb, to 7d.

OPOTIKI PIG SALE. \ The New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company, Limited, report as follows on the Opotiki pig sale:—A full yarding of pigs came forward and we report a total clearance at prices ou a par with last sale. Prices realised were: —Prime baconers, £3 15/ to £3 19/; medium baconere, £3 8/ to £3 13/; lighter sorts, £2 17/ to £3 5/; heavy porkers, £2 6/ to £2 12/; medium. £2 to £2 5/; light porkers, 28/ to 38/; large stores, 30/ to 35/; smaller stores. 22/ to 28/; good slips, to 24/; others, 18/3 to £1; choppers, £2 8/ to £3 7/; purebred Tamworth boars, three months old, 36/; sows, 39/.

This Week. Last Week. BEEP (per 1001b)— Extra choice ox 39/ 30/ Choice and prime ntf •••:••:•• 35/ to 38/ 36/ to 38/ Choice and prime ... cow arid heifer 30/ to 86/ 31/ to 36/ Boner and rough 23/ to 31/ 23/ to 31/ SHEEP (per head) — Prime Wethers r n S fl h °« r 2 A 'w V* 20/ t0 37/8 27/e t0 38 / 6 Unfinished Wethere : Shorn 23/6 to 29/6 22/ to 28/9 Prime Ewes: _ Shorn 20/ to 29/6 17/6 to 26/6 Unfinished Ewes : Shorn ■.. 7/ to 19/6 7/ to 17/ Prime lambe .. 18/6 to 32/6 18/ to 26/ Unfln. lambs .. 5/ to 18/9 13/ to 17/ CALVES (per head)— Runners 65/ to 137/ 60/ to 147/6 Vealers 30/ to 97/ 28/ to 110/ PIGS (per head) — Baconers 66/ to 93/ 68/ to 92/ Porkers 25/ to 63/ 40/ to 65/ Weaners 8/ to 16/ 8/ to 15/ Slips 15/ to 21/ 16/ to 22/ Large stores .. 22/ to 28/ , 23/ to 35/