SMITHFIELD MARKET Prices remain fairly firm

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33492, 25 March 1974, Page 14

SMITHFIELD MARKET Prices remain fairly firm

Pitchings of New Zealand lamb on the Smithfield market increased about 10 per cent last week, the Meat Board reports.

Although prices opened on a firm note the increase caused values to relax somewhat towards the end of the week’s trade.

Pitchings of domestic lamb were available in similar quantities to the week before, and despite the product’s indifferent quality, prices held steady.

Demand for New Zealand lamb is improving, and with off-take approaching the rate normally experienced at this time of the year the price structure is expected to remain firm.

Trade in the slightly reduced tonnage of fresh beef on the market improved marginally, and values remained firm.

The indifferent demand for pork meant a further reduction in values for this product. An increased supply of poultry met a better demand than of late, possibly in anticipation of the Easter oeriod trade. Prime.— 281 b and under 27.5-28.5 N.A. 281 b to 361 b .. 27.5-23.5 N.A. 371 b to 421 b .. 26.5-27.5 N.A. Y.— 281 b and under 27.0-28.0 N.A. Limited offerings of New Zealand lamb cuts sold steadily at the following prices:— Legs .. 40.5-41.5 N.A. Long loins .. 39.5-40.5 N.A. Short fores .. 25.0-26.0 N.A. Very limited amounts of New Zealand boneless beef cleared readily at nominal prices:—

Topsides .. 45.0 N.A. Thick flanks .. 41.0-41.5 N.A. Rumps .. 44.0-44.5 N.A.