Increase In Price Of Heavier Lambs

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30094, 30 March 1963, Page 16

Increase In Price Of Heavier Lambs

After four downward movements in the export schedule, all lambs over 361 b in weight will be a id a lb dearer as from Monday. The increase will apply to woolly and shorn lambs and both prime and second quality. Last month, the market information service of the Meat Board reported that because of the diversion of heavierweight lambs to other markets, the supply of these on the United Kingdom market was lighter and prices were steadier. The heavier lambs are going to the United States and at the same time there is a strong local demand for heavier lamb. The heavier-type lamb is not produced in large numbers as the prime light-weight lamb is the basis of New Zealand’s lamb industry. At Smithfield between the beginning of February and [this week prime lambs up to 361 b declined in price by 4*«d to 5d per lb, but at the same time, prime 371 b to 421 b lamb dropped by only 2d and 431 b to 501 b by Id per lb. The schedule which will operate from Monday is as follows;

Woolly Lambs.—Prime: 201 b to 281 b, 17jd; 291 b to 361 b, 16d; 371 b to 421 b, Ms; 431 b to s«b. 12d; 511 b to 561 b. lOd. Second quality: 201 b to 281 b, 17d; 291 b to 361 b, 15|d; over 361 b, 13Jd. Shorn Lambs.—Prime, 201 b to 281 b, 15d; 291 b to 361 b, 13|d: 371 b to 421 b. Hid; 431 b to 501 b, 9*d; 511 b to 561 b. 7Jd Second quality: 2Mb to 281 b. 144 d; 291 b to 381 b, 13d; over 361 b. lid. Some adjustments have been made in the weight

ranges for beef. Good average quality ox beef will sell at 120 s per 1001 b up to 7401 b instead of 125 s up to 6801 b and 120 s from 6811 b to 74Mb. Rates over 7401 b are unchanged. Good average quality heifer beef will sell at 115 s per 1001 b up to 5601 b instead of 5001 b; and over 5601 b the price will be 100 s. For all weights of f.a.q. heifer beef there will be a rise of 5s per 1001 b to 110 s. For all other classes of cattle, prices will be unchanged.