STOCK MARKETS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 26 May 1928, Page 9

STOCK MARKETS.

A HARD WEEK

BUT CONDITIONS STILL GOOD.

Visitors from other parts of the Dominion have expressed much appreciation of the state of the* countryside all over the Taranaki province, which is certainly looking exceptionally well! and promising for stock, with the winter just opening. The snap last night is a reminder: that little more can be expected of the: mild weather of the past month. But. that has given the country good heart; to meet the winter and put stock into a condition to meet the severity of the. coming months. This will be all to. the good of fanners, and will tend to maintain good prices in all lines o£: stock.

The prices quoted from London today are very satisfactory, and the* element of steadiness which accompanies the quoted price of cheese will be particularly good news, and shows; that the position would appear settled, and likely to continue good. Good, prices are being offered by wholesale: firms. These factors have a direct and beneficial effect on the course* of the stock markets.

The sales of this week show a strong tone and a confident feeling amongst farmers, with a resultant keen demand for stock showing quality and condition, These are two features that have a strong influence with buyers,; especially at this time of the year. They are reflected in the fact that goed prices were secured tor stock offered under the hammer, and a ready clearance at figures that must please the seller.

The demand tor young dairy stock is fast setting in, and will be in full swing from next month onwards. Farmers have good feed, and are naturally' willing to stock perhaps earlier than; usual. The prospects tor daily stock 1 are exceedingly good. During the week the first two clearing sales have been held, and in each case, although; the herds’ of fifty cows were not particularly high,' good averages . were secured. Basing a forecast on these sales, it can be seen that tor real qua If itv, well-conditioned heifers and dairy cows, the level of values must be very good. .Bepf animals also are in strong demand, and the indications are that these will be scarce and fairly dear later on in the season. Sheep that are fat and looking well are keenly sought, and Icok likely to be on a par with fat cattle in the matter of price. They are hard to procure. Store sheep, too, are snapped up readily by buyers. There is fair business being done in. pigs, and a tendency to short supply is creating a firming tendency. This will operate to the advantage of those holding stock. Farmers are again beginning to consider feeding out, and this practice will increase from now onwards, though pastures are good enough to keep herds going fairly well, and thus reduce the amount of subsidiary fodder needed.

The outlook for all classes of farming is good, and the high prices paid by dairy companies who sold, with the practical certainty of bonuses to those wlio consigned, will make the position for the winter’ much more pleasant to farmers generally. It is a considerable, time since farmers were so well treated: during the tail end of the season.