Fairly Quiet Week At Northland Stock Sales

Northern Advocate, 30 August 1947, Page 7

Fairly Quiet Week At Northland Stock Sales

POORER weather conditions during the past week resulted in smaller yardings at stock sales heicl throughout Northland. Generally speaking, the week was fairly quiet, with dairy and pig sections claiming most interest. With the exception of good quality cattle close to profit—and there were few of these offering during the week—the market for dairy cattle was not brisk. Best cows and heifers realised to £l2/10, - but the average realisations were lower than they have been for some weeks.

Unfavourable weather conditions and the slack period of the season combined to bring about these lower values, but when pastures come away next month, tilings should improve again. Store pigs again sold well, with prices ranging up to £4/10,- for large sorts. In some instances good stores sold at cheaper rates than last week, but generally speaking, values were firm. Weaners again sold well, with the best lots making to £3. One extra heavy chopper realised the high figure of £ll/5/-, a price which lias not been equalled in Northland for some months. Sows to farrow were in keen demand for dairymen anxious to utilise dairy by-products. The best price for the week was £l3, realisations ranging down from that figure according to quality and condition.

Boner cows met a fairly strong demand during the week, with some ■ farmers operating in order to have cattle on hand when the fern comes ■ away. For the same reason, store cattle have been in better demand but few were offering. Next month when the spring sales commence, good yardings of store cattle are anticipated at the various Northland centres and by that time the demand should be strong. In the beef sections, yardings were practically negligible, but paddock sales have been fairy frequent. Best prime ox beef was quoted yesterday at about £2/15/- per 100 lb., with best prime heifer beef af about £2/10/-. Prices in this section are likely to rise again during the next few weeks and beef supplies are becoming less plentiful.