On A Rising Plane

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30847, 4 September 1965, Page 8

On A Rising Plane

'PHIS graph from the annual x review of the sheep industry prepared by the Economic Service of the Meat and Wool Boards shows the trends of values at autumn ewe fairs in Canterbury. On the basis of calculations made from reports of fairs published in “The Press,” the Service shows that the average price for two-tooth ewes at the last round of North Canterbury sales was nearly 17 per cent, higher than in the previous season at 85s 3d and values for four and five-year-old ewes rose by more than 28 per cent to an average of 61s 3d.

Says the Service: “The i autumn sales have reflected the level of fat stock values indicated by our export schedules for mutton and lamb. There has been a further strengthening of the market by the vastly improved feed situation. The build-up policy adopted by East Coast farmers, in particular, and by practically all pastoral owners has created a strong demand for stock as the effects of heavier topdressing programmes and consequent abundance of feed have been apparent. “Attention can be drawn to two main pointers—(l) the

price of two-tooth and cast-for-age ewes: and (2) the strong demand for ewe lambs. “The accompanying tables and graphs illustrate clearly what has happened. In the economy of the hill country this counter to the fall in wool prices has literally ‘saved the day.' as a 30 per cent drop in the wool cheque in these times of high costs can have severe repercussions. especially where expenditure is more or less committed for farm development.