High Values For Stores At Northland Stock Sales

Northern Advocate, 14 December 1946, Page 2

High Values For Stores At Northland Stock Sales

Following a spell of good weather, during which excellent growth was made oii pastures and grazing runs, store cattle values reached a high level in Northland during the week. For the past three weeks more favourable conditions saw a general improvement in the tone of tire market for stores. This improvement mounted to a high level when values this week topped anything seen in the North for a considerable period. This was particularly applicable to n large sale of good-quality store cattle at Waiotira. when big lines of Herefords and Polled Angus two, three and four-year-old steers met with an excellent demand, which was sustained throughout the sale. Lines of 500 and 000 averaged more than Ll2. Few yearlings were offered. The inquiry was better than usual and prices were firm. At other Northland sales, the improvement in store cattle was also apparent, though perhaps not to the samedegree. • Few dairy cattle, were offered. They made late rates; Tn the fat pig section entries were numerous and competition was keen. Realisations were high.

Boners met a moderately keen demand. while store sheep values were firm.

Beef cattle were offered in fair numbers and the market was firm, with prime ox beef making about C2 If) - per 1001 b. Cow beef made rates on a par with recent Westfield quotations’.

Generally speaking, the week was not a particularly active one, Not many sales were conducted and, with one or two exceptions, yardings were not large. Eut the tone of the market was confident and this was to be expected as a reflection of the greatly-improved fodder position. Farmers who were pessimistic a.jout the likelihood of a good hay yield have found their fears dispelled to a. large extent. Warm conditions and rain have resulted in a thickening up of swards and in many places yields will be well up to average. As indicated by dairy factory statistics, production returns have been steadily mounlihg during the past tew weeks and it.now seems apparent that the season as far as the dairyman is concerned will be quite a satisfactory one.