WAIKATO VALUES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22620, 7 January 1937, Page 5

WAIKATO VALUES

BENEFITS FROM RAINS DEMAND FOR BREEDING EWES PIG MARKET STRONG If the holiday period was disappointing when viewed i'rom that aspect, it at least removed the fear of a long dry spell, and enabled farmers to face the new season with a full measure of confidence. Hie opening sales, following the usual custom, have been small, and Tuesday's entry at Frankton was in every branch the lightest for years. Business throughout was steady at values similar to last year's ciosing rates, except for light cow beef, .which was distinctly higher. Prime light ox sold from ;31s to 325; heavy, 26s to 2'Js; prime heifer, 27s to 295; prime young cow, 2os to 28s; prime Jersey cow, 20s to 235; plum, 15s to 17s 6d. Fortunately for those purchasing, $ the mutton demand was not heavy, as little was available to meet it. "Wethers, in fact, seemed hardly so firm as at the last sale, although ewes maintained that level easily. The entry of lambs was comparatively small, but fated a steady demand. Prime wethers sold from 27s to 150s; light and heavy plain sheep, from 255. Best ewes made from 19s to 225; with plain sorts from 14s to 17s 6d. Export Wethers Sought Wethers for export were sought aftei during the holidays, and those with suitable lines secured between 26s and 275. This rate is higher than was earlier anticipated, and exceeds last January figures by 4s to ss. On this basis, it is safe to predict a rise in butchers' sheep. Current wether rates at Frankton are not greatly in advance of those ruling a year ago. Lambs are being handled, in greater quantities, but the season has been disappointing. and it is feared that the proportion of unfinished lambs will be greater than ever before. The present beneficial rains should at least insure to growers good competition when they submitted their drafts to auction. Last season many considered their returns for mi fattened lambs thus dealt with proved quite equal to the second grade drafts through the freezing works. So far, no really good store lambs have been exhibited, but the cull varieties are being snapped up eagerly at rates that should be sufficient for a better article. Values for Ewes Breeding ewes are certain to be the main attraction in the sheep section, and preparation to meet the demand is now in progress. From indications already given, the range of values will be greatly in excess of last year, and for those who are considering a change over, the prospect must cause anxiety. Notwithstanding its handicaps, dairying seems the only profitable use to which the rich areas of Waikato can be put, and recognition of this seems likely be forced on many. The unfavourable buying conditions alone make the change inopportune. No opportunity of testing the feeling in regard to store cattle has been given and, although the closing rates of last year indicated weakness, the better grazing outlook may conceivably restore confidence. At the same time, exporters show no purchasing keenness. although the intention may be to "bear'' the market a shade below the recent level. In the pork and bacon sections great firmness is manifested. Competition at Frankton on Tuesday for pork classes especially was extremely keen, and recent values were exceeded. Although £'3 14s was the highest price recorded for baconers, this was secured for moderate weights, no top-weights „ being penned. Light baconers sold from £2 16s, with porkers from 37s to £2 15s.