LESS ACTIVITY AT NORTH STOCK SALES

Northern Advocate, 24 September 1949, Page 2

LESS ACTIVITY AT NORTH STOCK SALES

WITH the first spring cattle fairs now finished, livestock markets throughout Northland this week were not quite so active, and yardings were considerably smaller. Nevertheless prices were well maintained in practically all sections and the demand continued strongly. Dairy cattle prices rose slightly, with best quality cows close to profit making to £23/12/6. T ... .-,4 1,-,,-,

Fewer store cattle were on the market during the week, yardings at some sales being very small. The demand continued and they sold freely at prices on a par with late rates. Four-year steers in forward condition made to £l6/4/- and 3-year-olds made to £l4/15/-. Small 2-year steers changed hands at £l2/5/- and good yearlings sold from £9TO / - to £lO. Beef values were unchanged at £.3/2/- per 1001 b for prime ox. light fat bullocks being quoted at £.19. Fat cows made to £l6 while fat heifers sold at prices ranging to £l7 TO/-. Mutton supplies were adequate for butchers’ needs and prices were inclined to ease. In the past four weeks they have declined steadily since the supply position improved with better weather conditions. Fat woolly wethers sold at £2/14/at Ohaeawai. while stock firms quoted to £2/10 - for fat shorn wethers. At Ohaeawai a line of shorn wethers in forward condition made £2.

In the pig sections yardings were not large but prices were firm. Baconers made to £6'l6 / - at Kamo. Porkers also sold freely, while large stores were quoted to £5/3/-. Slips and weancrs met a moderate inquiry at late rates, prices for slips being £3/3 - to £3/15/-.._ Best weancrs were worth about £3. with small sorts realising from £l'B - upwards. A point worthy of note which has become apparent this week is the fact that there is a possibility of a shortage of store cattle in Northland this season. , Tlie large numbers of Northland cattle which this season have been purchased by southern buyers may leave farmers short of their requirements when the flush of growth really gets under way. So far. warm weather and medium rainfalls have combined to provide excellent growing conditions and. as a result, pastures can be expected to make good progress within ’he next frvv weeks.