STOCK MARKET

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 69, 20 February 1937, Page 2

STOCK MARKET

DEMAND FOR SHEEP. SHORTAGE OF WETHERS. “For backward sorts, the lamb market is showing an easing tendency, but lambs fit to go into the fattening paddock are in keen demand,” commented a stock expert to a “Standard” representative, yesterday, when discussing the present position of stock requirements in the Manawatu. “Wethers are in shorter supply than for many years with the result that the margin between good store sheep and fat wethers is practically negligible. Recent seasons having provided admirable conditions for lamb fattening, there has been a very small carry-over. “The market for breeding ewes is undergoing a quick change. Farmers in the main are realising, more so than ever this year, that it pays to buy a better class ewe. Consequently, young ewes and good straight lines of four and five-year-olds still command big prices. On the other hand, ewes with doubtful mouths show a decidedly easier tendency. “There is very little movement in the cattle market at this period- of the year, but the flush of feed due to the continued summer rains, and the fact that the export of chilled beef-, is being carried on on a much larger scale, have caused store cattle of all descriptions to appreciate considerably in value, more particularly 3J and 4s- - bullocks for winter fattening. The price for fat beef for- local con-sumption-is much higher than it lias been for many years.” Thirty-five to 45 per cent, of Manawatu’s wool output was in yesterday’s catalogue at the Wellington sa.'<. the informant added. It was mainly of the 44-46 crossbred class, with a small percentage of 46-48 quality. Because it would be the means of hardening up the grass and assist the fattening of lambs, u spell of a month’s warm weather would be most beneficial in the Manawatu, it was added. It was being realised to-day, more than ever, that stock of all descriptions did better in a naturally dry climate than in a wet one.