MEAT EXPORT SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19798, 19 November 1927, Page 15

MEAT EXPORT SEASON.

LAMBS FOR FREEZING.

i HEAVIER SUPPLIES SHORTLY.

Although spring lambs have been on the market for some weeks, the activities of the export buyers have been restricted by the supplies, which up to the present have largely gone to satisfy the local demand, in sonio cases at prices slightly above the London parity. The export season may bo said to have actually commenced, however, as the buyers have been able to obtain small parcels at local sales "wherever • there has been a surplus, and by dealing direct with shcepowners who hive forward lambs for drafting out of 'their Hocks. At the Westfield sale last week there was a surplus and a considerable draft •went to the freezing works. A reaction . followed, and last Wednesday buyers were unable to obtain any quantity, as the rates were above freezing values, From now. on, however, increasing supplies are expected, and the second week in December should see the works in full Conditions favourable to dairying arc in the main favourable to fat lamb production. Judging by the standard of dairy produce production this season, the indications are very favourable to sheepowners. The beneficial effects of the lecent rain upon the pastures' is evident Throughout the countryside. Much depends on the continuance of adequate periodical falls of "vain, but sheepfarmers •have in recent years shown an increasing appreciation of the value of rape crops for ensuring that they will be able to fatten a proportion ol their lambs after yeaning. The likelihood that the numbers available for export would be in proportion to the increase in the flocks in the province was confirmed yesterday by Mr. K. X>. Rogers, managing director of W. and It. Fletcher, Limited, who said reports from the country indicated that the ewes had wintered well and the percentages of lambs were, generally very satisfactory. *J'h<S fact that 'a splendid type of lamb from crossbred ewes by Southdown ranis was being bred to an increasing extent woulcf enhance the prospects for a good demand at Smithfield. Mr. T. Simpson, general manager ol the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company, was confident that the effects of the extensive top-dressing carried out in the 'Auckland Province would be reflected hi the quality and quantity of the iambs. He was satisfied the general conditions at Home were favourable to the successful ' marketing of. the pearon's export, although exceptionally high prices should not bo expected.- The works at Southclown and Horotiu were already dealing with small drafts of lambs, and a start would be made at the Moerewa works at the end of the month.