BUOYANT TONE AT NORTH STOCK SALES

Northern Advocate, 25 October 1947, Page 5

BUOYANT TONE AT NORTH STOCK SALES

* WITH ample feed available on pastures and hilly country, Northland stock markets were active during the past week and a buoyant tone prevailed. Recent high values were fully maintained in all sections, and prices for store pigs and store cattle showed a further upward tendency. The flush of spring growth reported from all Northland districts resulted in a strong demand for store cattle and while this demand a fortnight or three weeks ago was mainly confined to good quality cattle, the inquiry for stores of even inferior type improved perceptibly.

Waikato buyers, who are reported to have a surplus amount of feed available. were at most important sales and many cattle were sent South. Forward conditioned steers sold particularly well, making to more than £l7. Other good 3 and 4-year-old steers realised to £ls/1/-, while medium quality sorts made £l2 to £l4/10/-. Best 2-year-olds ranged to £l2 and yearlings reached £7/8/-. Boner cattle made schedule rates of £l/8/6 per 1001 b, without difficulty. In the dairy sections cows and heifers close to profit were keenly sought, prices ranging to £ls. Cows and heifers in milk also changed hands at advanced rates. A moderate inquiry for later culvers was reported and backward and inferior sorts sold at late rates.

Best yearling Jersey heifers sold to £B/10/-. Average offerings of beef cattle met strong competition, medium prime bullocks selling from £l7 to £lB/10/-. lighter and unfinished sorts making £ls upwards. Fat cows were offered in fair numbers, heavy prime sorts realising £lO. The market for any type of store pigs was particularly firm, high prices being paid for only moderate sorts. The availability of ample supplies of skim milk resulted in keen competition and prices in not a few cases seemed to exceed values. Larger' numbers of baconers were offered, heavy sorts making £0 to £O/10/-. Porkers were penned in small numbers, probably because most dairymen desired to retain them and carry them through to heavier weights.