GENERAL EASING

Evening Star, Issue 23500, 14 February 1940, Page 10

GENERAL EASING

LAMBS ALONE EXCEED LATE RATES CATTLE BACK 10/- TO £1 A HEAD RECESSION IN SHEEP VALUES EXPECTED Values for fat cattle eased by 10s to £1 a head at the fat stock sales at Burnside to-day, the supply being more than sufficient for the demand. Ewes predominated in the fat sheep pens, and although values opened at late parity, a recession was expected owing to the large yarding. A keen fat lamb sale resulted in values being slightly higher than last week. Store cattle competition was slack, and values eased by 10s a head. Fat pigs also showed a reduction of 5s a head. Two or three choice consignments of fat cattle from South Otago were included in the large entry of about 346 head. Medium quality bullocks formed a big proportion of the entry, with a large penning of cows and heifers. As the supply exceeded the demand, competition was. restricted. Apart from some prime heavy-weights, which at times attracted a little more favourable inquiry, the sale was definitely easier by 10s to £1 a head throughout. Extra prime heavy bullocks brought to £2O 17s 6d; prime heavy, £ls 17s 6d to £l7 12s 6d; medium, £ll 17s 6d to £l4 2s 6d; and light, down to £9 2s 6d. Extra prime cows and heifers brought to £l2 2s 6d; prime, £9 2s 6d to £lO 7s 6d; medium, £7 17s 6d to £8 17s 6d; and light, down to £5 2s 6d. Fat sheep had a large entry, in which ewes predominated. Most of these were of medium weights, but included some trucks of good quality descriptions. There were few wethers throughout the yarding. Values at the outset were on a par with late .rates, but it was expected that when requirements had been filled the sale would ease towards the finish.

A few consignments of choice quality sorts were included in the medium entry of fat lambs. The bulk were medium grades ; with a few pens of light and unfinished descriptions. Export buyers were operating at the increased 'schedule rates, while butchers competed for all heavy grades suitable to their trade, this making for a keen sale. Prices showed a slight appreciation on. late rates. Best price was 34s 9d.

Prices given for the 60 head of vealers yarded were firm on late rates. Best descriptions realised to £5 10s; medium, from £2 10s to £3 15s; and light, £1 10s to £2.

Store cattle had a medium yarding, including about six pens of three-year-old steers. Competition was slack, and prices were 10s a head easier. Best three-year-old steers brought £9 15s; ordinary three-year-olds, from £7 18s to £8 10s; two-year-olds, £4 10s to £6; and heifers, from £2 10s to £5 ss. Boner cows, of which there was a small entry, brought late rates. One hundred and 23 fat pigs were forward, and 76 stores. In the fat section baconers brought from £3 15s to £4 16s a head, or about 7]d lb, while porkers were selling at £2 17s to £3 8s a head, or about BJd lb. There was a good yarding, and values showed an easing of about 5s a head.