THE STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 13 February 1926, Page 4

THE STOCK MARKETS.

CONDITIONS GENERALLY GOOD 1 . COUNTRY IN GREAT HEART. One feature of great interest and value to the farming community and to the dairy farmer in particular is the condition of the pastures and the progress made by the subsidiary crops since Christmas. About that time the dry spell broke and since then there has been a succession of welcome rain-., which have a wonderful effect on the countryside. Until a week ago the weather was mild and this added to- the general good effect-. The result lias been that the milk yield, which was falling rapidly, has been not only steadied, but, in a large number of cases, increased and in consequence some factories report that their production, which, up to December had shown a marked decrease, picked up and looks likely at the end of this month to> catch up on last year’s figures. It is all very good ami satisfactory to the dairy * farmer and to the country generally. A heavy production and export is needed so that the balance over imports may be increased to a safer position than has been shown These conditions, combined with a very good level of prices for butter and cheese, make pleasant reading for everyone. Late wool sale reports,, too, show very satisfactory signs, with keen competition by b live ns from all over the world. The fact that inferior and ordinary half-bred wool was not quite so good, indicates to the farmer with crossbred flocks that he needs to take the utmost care to show his wool in first-rate order.

Yarding© of sheep and cattle at recent sale shave .been good and in most cases bidding has been keen and making for satisfactory prices. This indicates that farmers are in need of replenishments for their farms and are ready to offer fair prices to, secure their requirements. Fat cattle were reported to be a little better and fat lambs are in good demand for export, the congestion at the works, it is stated, having been removed. Works’ buyers, therefore, were operating very satisfactory and indications for a good “full” autumn on the farms, because of the pasture and good crops, lend assurance to the hopes for a good time all round.