STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 19 May 1928, Page 9

STOCK MARKETS.

CONTINUED ACTIVITY

HEALTHY CONDITIONS ALL ROUND.

Conditions during the past month have been exceptionally favourable for dairy farmers,. with an autumn that so far is more like spring. Warm, copious rains on a countryside sun. sweetened during nearly two months must have had a good effect on the pastures; as a fact, many farmers report that this is the case and that their paddocks are looking exceedingly well and must he more favourable for tlie stock because the general indications are that cows are yielding better. This is specially the case where —and it applies .probably to the majority —top : dressing has been carried on regularly and liberally. The crops are reported to have made remarkable progress since the rains began and to have largely recovered from the effects of .the drought. Where farmers were able to get through without using too much of their subsidiary feed or where they had ample supplies of lucerne, they will be in a good position to face whatever there is in front of them for the winter. But here is Alay 19 and scarcely a cold spell yet. Naturally the farmers do not want a winter too late in arriving for fear of a late spirng, but the mild spell still experienced is exceedingly useful as giving pastures a chance to recover and enter the eo_ld weather in good heart. This, too, will reflect on the stock, which must be iii great condition. A feeling of confidence is evidently abroad in the Waikato, where conditions have been "vastly bettered during the past month. It seems early to.be stocking up- dairy farms, with a couple of months at least to go before early calving time,- but already a number of lines of in-calf Jersey heifers 1 have gone north. This week saw a nice, line sold at a very good price., between £l2 and £l3; considering the time of the year, it would seem to indicate. that the market will be very firm. It is reported, however, by men who travel widely, that there are considerably, more dairy heifers held by breeders or dealers than was the case last year. If that should be the position, it will help to relieve the conditions for the dairy farmers who generally do not secure their supplies till considerably later. : As against this, however, it is stated that many more cows than usual .went to works because of the dry spell— Taranaki is not alone in this respect—* and consequently more will be needed and probably earlier because of .the favourable end of the season.

The week’s sales showed much good business. Cattle are selling well and there is a strong call, locally and abroad, for dairy stock. Empty .18-months heifers, Jersey cross, brought, up to £4 12s fid, and Holsteins a little'less-, and store,and works cattle were all quitted at late rates. . There is a keen demand for sheep of all kinds with consequent good prices. Recently a fairly largo line of ewo lambs, for breeding purposes, was sent away at nearly 235. Such cases show the strength of .the market. , r There was a good entry of pigs and all sold well. It is remarkable how well the position is maintained in this industry. Hawera has become a good centre'for the. business. . , All round, there is; very evident a strong and optimistic feeling based on the general conditions. It is certain the season will finish out well and be considerably in advance of the anticipations of the early part of the season.