STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 5 March 1927, Page 6

STOCK MARKETS.

GENERALLY HEALTHY TONE. THE BUTTER PROBLEM CAUSING ANXIETY. In the stock industry generally there is an optimistic feeling prevalent, and conditions in the country areas lend support to this healthy ’ tone. The weather conditions since the break of the dry spell have, been such as to please the farmer and to provide . a satisfactory end) to a season in which fanners have had much to lie thankful for, despite the setback caused; by drv weather. The great problem, of course, is the butter market, the accumulations of produce in London causing much concern to those at the head of affairs and to thoughtful, well-informed, and vitally interested men in the industry. Further news on this subject will he awaited' with much interest. . Meantime farmers have reason to be satisfied with the pay-out, seeing that there appears to be a considerable surplus to be drawn unless the position chariges much to the detriment of the ; produce. f The continued maintenance of the high range of prices in the wool market i.s extremely heartening to the farmers dealing in that- commodity, and this makes the prospect for them very satisfactory and promising. But no doubt where they took up land at fairly high prices, thev will need the good figures. In this connection it is disquieting to read of farmers in the back country talking of walking off their farms, and this leads one to the conclusion that it would be better for the whole community if men who have put money and) years of work into the ' land could be enabled to continue. The stock dealing business has been pretty brisk—both for the vendors and purchasers'—but there is a- tendency, owing to the end, of the season, being near, to slacken off. Fanners are not keen to risk overstocking, in view of • the near approach of autumn and the need of conserving all their .supplies of feed for a- possible hard winter. This has had a decided effect on stock sales.

The demand or -inquiry for young dairy sffcoek, weaners or ini calf, for repleting the herds, continues to he good. There is, however, no great supply, and it looks as though farmers will have to expect to pay more than at present for their requirements. The season is affecting the condition of all animals held for fattening, and many are being brought in before they •are prime, through an apparent anxiety not _to be left with too many in the coming cold season.

Actually the sheep market is looking better than cattle, because conditions generally are more settled and more promising.

' The activity shown in the pig business is very" heartening, and though at present there lias been a drop in the Home market, which very directly affects the price paid by the companies', the position all round shows many signs of an improvement and a. spirit of enterprise which is very gratifying, and indicates an improvement andi extension which must be all to the benefit of the fanners.

Broadly speaking, therefore, there are many heartening features which justify a feeling of oonfidienoe and 'Optimism l so necessary to success in all branches of the farming industry.