DRY IN WAIKATO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22289, 26 March 1947, Page 3

DRY IN WAIKATO

MARKET NOW QUIET

STORE STOCK INQUIRY

Because of dry weather in the Waikato the demand for most classes of store stock is falling off and conditions in the livestock market are quiet. The selling season for breeding ewes is nearly finished and only odd small lines are now coming forward, quotations showing little alteration. Smaller entries of store lambs are also being penned, but there is a steadyinquiry and prices have been a shade firmed at some sales during the week. There are a few late inquiries for rams, but on the whole the market for these is quiet. Very few station-bred cattle have been penned during the week, but there is little inquiry at present and prices show no improvement. Slightly smaller yardings of 1 oner cows and potter bulls are coming forward at the main centres. Owing to the congestion at the works and the shortage of railway truck some export buyers arc unable to operate as extensively as previously and prices have been a shade easier, as usual at this time of the year. It is generally only temporary, because as soon as the works catch up on the killings all buyers again operate to capacity. There is a strong inquiry for dairy cattle close to profit, but veryfew of this class arc offering and quotations are hard to secure. Beef. —The market for fat cattle shows little change. Supplies of ox beef coming forward are sufficient for the demand and prices remain steady. Prime young cow and heifer beef meets a steady demand from local butchers and recent quotations are fully maintained. At some centres vealers have been on over-supply and lower rates have obtained in these instances. Heavy prime bullocks sell from £l9 to £2O; prime, £l7 10s to £lB 10s; light, £l6 to £l7; small, £ls to £ls 15s; heavy prime young cows and heifers, £l3 to £l4: prime, £ll 10s to £l2 10s; light prime, £lO to £ll. Mutton. —The market for fat sheep shows only minor fluctuations. Prime well-finished ewes were a shade firmer quotations, but. prices for unfinished lines sell at late rates. Heavy prime well-finished ewes wer a shade firmer at the Central yards, while freezing lines sel lat late rates. Heavy prime wethers sell from 36s fid to 37s 6d; prime, 34s 6d to 365: medium. 33s to 345: light. 30s to 325; prime butchers' ewes. 25s to 265: fat ewes. 23s to 245: medium. 20s to 225; light and plain, 17s fid to 19s.