BURNSIDE STOCK SALES

Evening Star, Issue 18627, 7 May 1924, Page 8

BURNSIDE STOCK SALES

LARGE SUPPLIES FORWARD. Each department was well supplied with fat stock at the Burnside sales to-day. This was brought about by the finish of the railway strike, consignors outside the road transport area sending forward large consignments by rail. There was an oversupply in some. departments, but the prices realised were satisfactory, considering the big supplies. There was not the slackening-off in prices that was anticipated, although sheep, fat cattle, and pigs were sold at a reduction in values. The fact that export buyers were bidding strongly at times for sheep and lambs indicated that the market has again come back to normal.

Sheep.—A large entry, numbering 2,889 head. Many pens contained sheep of good quality, comprising heavy freezing sorts. The balance of the yarding was made up of moderate pennings, including a fair number of good ewes. The prices realised at the opening sales were considerably lower, but it was classed as a satisfactory sale. The general reduction in values ranged from 3s to 4s per head, as compared with the extreme rates obtained at the two previous sales. Export buyers secured a few lots towards the close of . the sale. Extra prime_ heavy-weight wethers sold up to 595; prime, 43s to 47s sd; medium, 27s 3d to 34s sd; light and unfinished sorts, 23s to 255. Extra prime heavy-weight ewes sold up to 455; prime, 27s to 345; light and aged, 15s to 21s 9d. Lambs.—A medium yarding, numbering about 700 head. The entry' included a. number of pons of medium to good quality lambs, some being .extra prime. Competition was brisk, prime sorts suitable for freezing being eagerly sought by export buyers. Prices w’ere firmer to the extent of about Is per head. Extra prime lambs sold from 53s to 355; prime, 28s to 30s; medium, 26s to 275. Fat Cattle.—A large entry, numbering 320 head. The yarding included several pens of extra prime bullocks and cows. It was anticipated that prices, in consequence of the large entry, would be easier. Store Cattle.—A full yarding, every' pen containing its regulation number. Between 300 and 400 animals, representing all qualities, were offered. The entry included about fifty head of good three and four-year-old steers. Four-year-olds sold up to £7 19s, three-year-olds from £5 lls to £5 15s, and 2j-year-olds to £4 sa. The demand was steady for matured cattle at unchanged values; but young steers and cattle in backward condition sold at slightly cheaper rates. Dairy Cattle.—About thirty head were offered, the. entry including several animals of choice quality. There was a fair demand, and late values were maintained. Best cows sold up to £lO 10s, heifers from £8 10s to £9, and aged cows from £3 10s to £4.

Pigs.—A full yarding of all descriptions was offered. The supply was in excess of requirements. Competition was somewhat slack, and prices were easier to the extent of about 10s per head for prime sorts. Prime baconers sold up to £4 Bs. Today’s values for prime baconers are on a basis of about 7d and for prime porkers about 8d per lb.