DEMAND FOR BREEDING STOCK AT STORTFORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22696, 22 July 1948, Page 8

DEMAND FOR BREEDING STOCK AT STORTFORD

(P.A.) . HASTINGS. July 22. Breeding slock was more keenly sought after at the Stortford Lodge stock sale yesterday, the market recovering some of the decline of inlamb ewe values of the first fortnight and ewe hoggets meeting with a strong inquiry.

There was also keen bidding for forward-condition wethers and for the tops of the wether hoggets, though less attractive wether hoggets were a little "stickier” than last week. The operations of Waikato buyers helped to sustain the market. An entry of 5000 head included some good quality sheep, some wethers and wether hoggets offering a quick return. Among the breeding ewes were some lines almost due to lambinterest was taken in an offering of the first season's ewes and lambs, a pen of 14 of each selling at 15s 9d all counted. As it was an inferior offering it gave little indication what the market for this class of proposition might be once the full now begins.

Breeding Ewes Short

Breeding ewes were in fairly short supply and what there were met with a better demand than last week, mixed-aged sheep selling at 39s 4d, six-tooths at 335, and four-year-olds at 30s. A line of good five-year-olds was passed in at 35s 6d. Quality ewe hoggets changed hands at 40s Id, small sorts bringing from 26s 6d to 30s 2d. Good wether hoggeis sold at from 34s fid to 35s 6d, and smaller at 26s 9d to 30s Od. Good wethers made 44s 3d and other wethers from 35s 3d to 41s 4d. A short yarding and the offering of some quality lines resulted in a very strong fat sheep market, with the prices showing a sharp advance of up to 4s a head. Single wethers realised the season’s top prices of 60s Id and 60s 1 Od. Prime owes sold at from 41s lOd to 44s lOd. with inferior sorts being quoted at from 23s to 31s 7d. Extra prime young ewes were trader* at up to 59s 4d. prime making from 44s 7d to 49s 4d. Extra prime wethers sold at from 60s Id to 60s 10d. Prime wethers made from 50s Id to 53s lOd. medium 48s 7cl to 48s lOd, and unfinished 42s 4d. Medium lambs realised 38s 7d, and others from 30s 4d to 34s 7d. Store Cattlo Erratic

An erratic market existed for store cattle, an entry of 450 head being offered to a good gathering of buyers. Buying activity was very in-and-out. At times the bidding was strong, while at other times quite good lines proved “sticky,” and there were a few passings. Bullocks sold up to £ls ss: threeyear steers up to £l2 16s, weaner steers from £5 to £6 12s 6d. empty cows and heifers at £8 17s, in-calf cow from £7 10s to £7 16s. and weaner heifers from £6 16s to £5 12s. Female beef met with a good inquiry when a yarding of 130 heau of fat cattle was offered. Quality was markedly lacking among the ox beef, most of the pens coming forward, including beasts in half fat condition. A better selection was seen when a few pens on account of a Gisborne vendor were offered, but these cattle, too. could have done with more finish. The demand was “sticky” and several pens were passed in. The heifer offering showed quality, the top price for this class of beef being ouoted at £l7 18s 6d. Prime ox realised from £2O 8s fid to £2l 14s fid. medium sold at from £l6 18s fid to £l9 8s 6d, and light made from £ls 3s fid to £l6 6s. Prime heifers were traded at from £l4 Is Id to £l7 18s (id. and medium brought from £l2 8s fid to £l3 18s fid. Prime cows left the vendors’ nands at from £l2 13s fid to CIS 13s fid. with £ll 18s fid being paid for medium quality beasts. A quality runner sold for £ll Gs.