STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 6 November 1926, Page 10

STOCK MARKETS.

A HEALTHY TONE. GOOD GENERAL DEMAND. There are several factors quite outside the ordinary life of the tanner, away from the Dominion, operating in the big world of business, which have a preponderating influence on the business of the farming community. And it is the sway of these influences to which the farmer must look if he is to hazard a forecast of the season. These are operating all- the time, but they are naturally more prominent when the primary producers’ output is being placed on the markets of the world. And actually the law of supply and demand in the end rules throughout.

It has been good to read during the past few days of more settled conditions in dairy produce at Home; of a continued strong demand for the wool of the Dominion, and perhaps spe> tally in regard to tins coast, for- the crossbred woo 1 and generally of a steady posit-ion in most lines of production affecting this Dominion. The markets for big stock are directly affected by the state of the dairy produce business, iust as sheep are affected very materially by the prices offering for wool. There is an improvement in both, and consequently the markets are showing a healthier tone which, it is hoped, wil> continue.

Store cattle are still selling well in the local markets, and a good demand generally is being shown, but at Wanganui this week that market showed signs of dragging. Evidently the rush of feed round South Taranaki has enabled farmers to stock heavily. Reports from Howke’s Bay are to the effect that there is still no real cattle feed, the rains of this and other parts not having reached that coast. It was hoped this lush condition of the pastures would cover Hawke’s Bay, and in that case there would almost certainly have been an added tone to the store stock business.

Fat cattle are not too plentiful, and still command good figures. But in the hip; centres, as the telegraphed, reports "show, there has been a slight easing, and it seems probable that this wi'J follow in this district.

Young dairy cattle showing type, oi the right age, and varded in real good condition, continue to attract buyers at satisfactory prices. Dairy farmers evidently are maintaining; the process of filling up their herds to cope with the flush of feed. The warm rains have continued, and altogether the country is in great heart.

The auctioneers notify a strong demand for hut's, and good prices for all offered. It is remarkable to see that grade bulls are fetching better prices than did many of the pedigrees offered a month ago. Tn the sheep market there has not been a great deal of business. But prices a'l round have been maintained well, probably in expectation of a good figure at the freezing works, and helped no doubt bv the healthy tone of the wool market. 'The works’ juice is awaited with much interest, and wil' have a good effect in steadying and stabilising the general position. Lambs are looking well and strong, but the-ie i« no doubt a spel' of warm? weather would help to harden up their condition. Nothinor is doiim in horses except an occasional sale, and business will be quiet until March, when the next sales are to he liekl. In the big markets reports show a good demand for farm horses, hut little doing in any other class.

Pigs are in demand just now, and breeders confirm a strong and continued cal' for pedigrees. Some find it difficult to supply the demand. It is quite apparent that pig growers realise the ‘need for keeping up the qualitv of their stock. They are following the dairy farmers’ \ead in this respect, and in addition are beginning to grow more food and to do their pigs better. Experienced breeders consider there is onito a good thing in pigs at the present prices paid by the works. Fat "nigs are commanding satisfactory figures. There are naturally features m the position generally which cause a certain amount of concern to the farmers, hut, despite these the conditions all round are very liopefu l . and incline them to take an optimistic view. The wisdom, however, of prudence and thrift is just- as insistent as ever, and the whole business community, town and countrv, should unite in a decision to do all in their power to assist m improving the position. The' lessons of the past shoo'd help in making the future sounder all round.