VALUES IN WAIKATO

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23077, 30 June 1938, Page 9

VALUES IN WAIKATO

EFFECT OF COLD WEATHER HIGH-PRICED DAIRY COW. STORE CATTLE NEGLECTED The effect of the past two weeks of cold weather is now beginning to show on both stock and pastures. Up to the present, feed has been exceptionally plentiful for this tune of .the year, but jn practically every district farmers have now commenced to feed out hay and ensilage. < Although the market for dairy cattle has shown a slight easing tendency at some centres, in other districts the demand is still as keen as ever, and at a clearing sale recently held, the top price of £2O 10s was reached for a particularly choice dairy cow, This is the highest price recorded for a grade cow this season, At the same sale a number of other high quality cows mada from £l4 10s to £l7 ss. However, should the present climatic conditions continue, a quioter tone may be experienced in this section lor a period.

In sympathy with fee hoof market, store cuttle are correspondingly low: and, although prices, are considerably below those ruling a month ago, little interest is displayed in offerings of this class, and buyers are>6carce. Cull cows are still coming forwWd in largo numbers, and are being readily absorbed by exporters at full schedule rates. It is fortunate for dairy farmers', that a ready market exists lor the largo number of this class of cattle that have to be disposed of practically all the year round. / BEEP. Although yardinirs of beof havq not been quite so heavy, prices have shown Utile alteration. Both butchers and exporters are buying only sufficient for immediate re. quiromcnts, as it appears that supplies ia sight will prove amplo for the demand for seme time yet. A fair number of second quality and unfinished cattle are still coming forward, and this also has a depressing effect on the market. At Frankton on Tuesday. in contract to the previous sale, a very small yarding of both ox and cow. beef was penned, for good quality, well-finished catUa a better tone existed, l>ut second quality and plain beef ghqwed no alteration. Best ox was quoted, at 35s to 37s per looibj prime ox, 30# to 345; secondary and plain, 34s to 38s; cboico young cows and heifers, 39s to 31s; prime cows, 33s to 275; second quality, Itf# to 2Q«. < MUTTON The lower rates of a week ago did not, as anticipated, result in a smaller yarding at Frankton on Tuesday. As has'been the case for some weeks, a fair proportion of unfinished sheep was again penned, and these were dull of sale. Prime wethers, however, m«t with a ready inquiry, and prices up to 33s Od were paid, one consignment averag* ing 33s 3d- Tfyip is the best price obtained at these yards for a month. Fat lambs were penned in larger, numbers,. hut here Again quality was lacking in a fair proportion of the offering, which sold at schedule- rates. Extra heavy prime wethew made from &U to 33s 0d; prime, 28s to 30s; light prime, 36s to -27s 0d; unfinished, 33s to 355; heavy' prime swes, 30s (Id to 23s Od; medium. 18s to 30s; light. 15s to 17s; unfinished* 10s to 14s. ' PIGS. Only small yardingg oMat pigs #r« com* •ing forward, and buyers ure haying difficulty in fining their trucks. "Prices for all finis hod grades remain firm at late rate*. Stores are being offered in good numbers, and are in keen demand at slightly, advanced rates, Baconers made from £3 3s to £3 18s;. heavy porkers, £2 12s to £3: medium, £3 St to £3 8s; light, 35s to £2.