BRITAIN'S SHEEP EXPORT

Press, Volume LXVII, Issue 13986, 8 March 1911, Page 2

BRITAIN'S SHEEP EXPORT

The export of stud sheep from the United Kingdom forms an important source of income to breeders. Last year was, however, not a good one for them, so far as average prices were concerned. During the past sixteen years the lowest yearly average for exported sheep is that recorded in 1910— i.e., £7 19s 7d. The nearest approach to this was in the year 1902, when £8 Is od was tho average for 3596 head exported. Why this lower range of average should have prevailed during the past year is not a matter difficult to locate. It arose from two causesThe first was the stoppage of the South American demand during that period of the year when large shipments have usually' been made, and consequently the loss of sales of high-priced stock. The second cause was the increase in the demand from North America, for tiie aggregate number shipped during 1910. 7839, was 5 per cent, above the number shipped in 1909. The increased demand from North America, Canada, and the States was responsible for the increased number of sheep shipped during the year; and, owing to the fact that the prices paid, as a rule, for such sheep were low ones, the general average of declared value was consequently reduced. The American demand lias increased from 735 head to 1577 during the past year; the average of these works out at £5 15s 4d, a very moderate one. Then again, the Canadian demand, which increased from 3475 head in 1909, to 3811 head in 1910, secured these at the general average of £5 8s Id; thus, 5380 head of the 7839 head were shipped to countries for which the prices realised were well under £6. Germany has been a good customer, taking 675 head at £6 10s 9d; Uruguay, to which country were sent 167 head, as against 100 in 1909, paid an average of £15 17s for them. The Argentine, which took 1735 head in 1909, only took 770 in 1910, these working out at an average of £18 7s 4d. The Australian demand during the year amounted to 92 head, averaging £9 8s 3d; New Zealand took 103 head, averaging £33 6s 2d. and "other countries" took 644 head at £9 6s lid. The average price paid by New Zealand breeders, £33 6s 2d, was by far the highest paid for sheep exported, showing that the class of animals purchased was of a higher standard than other countries were content with.