Store Cattle Values Slump In Northland

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1947, Page 2

Store Cattle Values Slump In Northland

A CONTINUATION of the dry weather conditions caused a slump in store cattle values at stock sales held throughout Northland during the past week. Quotations from 15 different sales indicated that well grown and forward conditioned steers sold fairly well, but younger and lighter cattle were hard to quit. Values varied according to districts, but throughout Northland an easing tendency was noticed in all store cattle transactions.

Commensurate with the tapering oil in dairy production, also reflecting the lack of rain, the demand for stores, slips and weaner pigs slackened somewhat.

A fairly steady demand for cows and calves was reported, with prices ranging to £9 11/-. Best runners made £6 15 -. In the sheep sections, a strong inquiry for all classes continued. Earlier in the season the numbers of sheep offered at fairs was less than usual and this fact may have some bearing on the continued keen demand.

AH other sections remained iirm. with rates showing little variation from last week's quotations.

Although not yet in short supply, beef cattle were keenly sought bv butchers and exporters. Heavy fat bullocks made from £l7 to £l9. while tat cows sold at prices ranging Irom £8 TO - to £l2/1/-. Killable cows sold well, while forward-condi-tioned steers made to £l4.

Good two and four-tooth store weathers sold to £l/B'-. while lat wethers changed hands at £l/15/--. Best 2-tooth ewes made £l/16/6.

‘A good demand lor flock rams slid exists, with good sorts making to eight guineas. Daily cattle were penned in .small numbers, meeting good competition for cows and heifers close to profit. Best cows made £l3, with heilers selling at proportionate rates. Weaner Jersey heifers made £5/10'-. with good Shorthorn heifer calves realising to £5/13/-. Late rates were maintained in the fat pig sections, where heavy baconers made to £C'9/-. meeting a keen inquiry. Porkers also sold well, but store slips and wcaners were easier.

In the store cattle sections, a number of pens were passed in at sales where little demand for this class ot cattle was reported. Well-grown sorts sold without difficulty, but small and young cattle were not wanted.

The best 4-year-old store steers made £l2/10 -. with 3i-year-olds realising about £l2. Good 21-year-olds made £ll 5-. the best 18-month steers selling to £7 I'-. Steer calves ranged to £4/5 -.