STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 10 March 1928, Page 10

STOCK MARKETS.

MUCH ACTIVITY SHOWN. POSITION GENERALLY GOOD. The farmer must be hard to please who is not fairly satisfied with the position ruling at the present, with the favourable indications and the generally good outlook in all aspects of the industry. With wool soaring to a record price and in strong demand ; with all classes of sheep sought for by buyers and in some respects unsatisfied, with lambs, cull as well as fats, bringing in consequence very good with pastures beginning to look “smiling” over the whole district, and in consequence the prospect of good autumn feed for the end of a long season, both pastures and fodder crops; with milk supplies already increased and likely to hold, and with the continuing recorded higher level of prices in London for dairy produce ; there surely is not much with which to find fault. If all land were held at or near normal prices and all farmers were operating on an economic basis the district and the Dominion farmers would be -on a great footing. There is shown at late sales a steady and, in fact, strong demand in most lines of sto -k, and in consequence prices, with, a few exceptions. have been very good and in favour of the vendor.

Cull lambs have lieeu inquired for in many quarters, and have brought satisfactory figures, up to just over 15s. There have been many dairy fanners after small lots, from tens to fifties, to run with the dairy herd. That has proved an excellent practice, good for the farms- and for the stock.

Other sheep are also wanted and in number which it is difficult to satisfy. At Wanganui this week there were heavy vardings. with buyers for all classes, and a rise in store wethers and forward lambs. Young ewes also went well above vendors’ reserves. This position is echoed, too, in the South Island markets.

Flock rams have been -sought by farmers, who have given good figures for their requirements.

Addington reports keen competition for fat lambs, with- export prices oxeeded and ].()d reached in some cases. There is considerable activity in all branches of the cat-tie business. Good forward cows offered have received close attention, and prices have averaged about £4 15s, with fair prices for stores.

The market for Meaner heifers au-pear-s for the time to he slacker on account of the shortage of feed, hut this is a condition that is fast righting itself, and it is 1 round- to he good before long. Even now the level of prices is not at all had. But- good colours, well grown young animals and good condition, are features that operate always to the advantage of vendors.

Though the Waikato lias been and still is suffering from the dry spell, there is pretty certain to lie keen infrom that great district, and in addition larger numbers of cows than usual have gone to the works, including some that, hut for the drought, would have likely been held. This gap in the supply has to he filled. Fat cattle are not plentiful, and conditions here, as also in the South Island, according to late reports, show a firm tone. Nb doubt this will be eased ns the feed comes away with the mild, wet weather.

Pigs are easier than for some time oast, hut there is still a good demand, with satisfactory prices for store pigs in good condition. This is rather* remarkable in face of the continued poor nrices paid and the conditions at Home.

Actually, speaking in a general way, :f is long since the position seemed to promise so well. Tim drought hasbeen hard to bear for the dairy farmer, hut he- will undoubtedly reap ■i continuing advantage, provided the season favours him as is the,case- at the present time. The sun-dried pastures will make firm, succulent, fodder for the autumn, and should last much longer than usual.