SMITHFIELD MARKET

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33444, 28 January 1974, Page 24

SMITHFIELD MARKET

Sloyy trade at liHier prices Trade on the Smithfield market last week was very slow, reflecting the present depressed economic climate in Britain, the Meat Board reports. Because of the industrial

fuel crisis and the three-day working week pitchings of New Zealand lamb were considerably reduced for this time of the year, but despite

this clearance of product was effected -only after sharp discounts against quoted prices

were made. Trade closed with the mar-, ket anticipating further price reductions next week as increased arrivals of new sea-; son’s lamb put further pres-l sure on the current very; poor off-take. Although beef continues to, dominate market demand.; because of the product's eco-1 nomic attraction in relation: to other meats, off-take was mot strong enough to prevent [a further easing in values. Price Var’n

* Prices are compared with those of the week ending December 21—the last time Smithfield prices were published in this paper.

p p per lb per lb New season.— 281b and under 30.5-33.0 N.A. 291b to 361b .. 31.0-33.0 N.A. YL.— 281b and under 29.5-30.5 N.A. Old season.— 371b to 421b .. 29.0-29.5 N.A. Y.— 281b and under 28.5-29.5 —0.65 291b to 361b .. 28.0-30.0 N.A. Modest pitchings of New Zealand carton lamb cuts met a steady trade at the following prices:— Legs .. 41.5-42.0 —2.75 Long loins .. 38.5-39.0 —1.25 Short fores .. 25.0-26.0 —1.50 Nominal offerings of New Zealand boneless beef sold in '.he following price range: Topsides 43.0-43.5 —0.75 Silversides 43.0-43.5 —0.25 Thick flanks .. 40.0-41.0 —0.25 Rumps 43.0-43.5 —1.00 Chucks 34.5-35.0 +0.25