PRICE OF BEEF.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 18906, 5 July 1923, Page 3

PRICE OF BEEF.

VAG AMIES OF THE MARKET

GLUT OF FAT CATTLE IN NORTH ISLAND.

SHIPMENT TO C HIM ETCH U ECU.

THE FUTURE OF THE MARKETS.

Afler mid-winter, and when spring is within mensurable distance, the tat stock market almost invariably assumes an agitated lone. This is accounted for by the fact that graziers, or those whose business it is to fatten and finish off stock for the market, are deeply concerned as to what the future has in store. The fattening of stock from now on to the middle of October is very much in the nature of a gamble. Should the weather prove favourable—that is. should little or no frost prevail and the rainfall bo light-the turnip emps can be conserved, and not only thatbut. the .slo.ck will benefit to a. much greater extent when the climatic conditions are favourable than if the weather is severe. Again, under wintry conditions, the turnip crops, especially if fed ti? cattle, are wasted to a large extent. During wet weather thev arc trodden into the ground, and when this occurs -during a frosty period, the turnip, once broken, quickly rots, and thus the feed that has been provide! ia quickly dissipated. Conditions prejudicial to the conservation of winter feed have prevailed this season, and this was probably responsible to some extent for the enhanced values ruling for stock at Burnside last, week. Another factor tending to firm the market for both beef and mutton is that there is something in the nature of a scaicitv of fat stock, probably induced by the wet weather which bus 1 been experienced during the past six months or more. '[‘he possibilities of future prices of far, cattle and sheep have been freely canvassed among graziers and butchers, and the former, who have in past years frequently sold forward, have now apparently determined to take the risk and put their stock on the market as they come forward. This indicates a confidence in the future of the market which some of the loading butchers do not entertain. The fngt that there is a decided overplus of fflt cattle in the north may have some bearing on prices which will rule in the future. There is no gamsaving the fact that fat cattle arc plentiful in the North island, and the slogan, “Eat More Beef,” has doubtless been prompted by this over-supply, brought about by the poor prices for frozen beet which have ruled in Loudon for some time past. A Dunedin butcher who recently paid ayisit to Wanganui gave some little attention to the largo shop which the farmers m the district have recently opened in that town. In this shop nothing but beef is sold, and the fact that 50 bodies of beet arc put through weekly shows that the turnover is a large one. This in g l '* ing some particulars to a Daily limes reporter, said this beef was being .put into the shop at 20s por- 1001 b, as compared with 34s to 38s paid at Burnside lust week. Asked as to the quality of (ho beef, tins butcher said it was net equal to the ‘tops sold at Burnside, but it- was “good average,” and there was nothing to cavil at on that score. The possibility of cattle from the Wanganui district being brought to I)unodin was inttnived into and was not considered practicable under present methods of transportation. It is, however, quite possible that a steady trade in mo slock will be done between Christchurch and the North Island. The ferry boats have recently been utilised to convey a good many drafts of fat cattle between Wellington and Lvttelton. with a degree of success which will probably warrant the trade being continued. These North Island cattle were in evidence at Addington sale last week, and brought up to £22 a head, which m the case of an 11001 b bullock, was equal to 40s uer 1001 b. Deaths, together with bruised carcases, would reduce the profits to the consignors, but still the margin is largo enough to Justify a continuance of what will probably be a regular trade, iho effect of this may bo to keep the Canterbury butchers off Burnside market, and tend to steady prices hero. At present practically no beef or mutton is on offer in Southland, which -is not wholly due to scarcity but to sotno extent to the impression prevalent in the south that prices must advance. This idea, it may be said, is not shared by the butchers who are looking to the trade in live stock between the North Island and Lyttelton tending to keen prices at their present level. One thing is evident, that once the glut of fat cattle has been overcome in the North Island, the price of beef will steady, and will probably rise, but, the visitor to Wanganui was quite convinced'that prime beef At Burnside is not likely to get down to the prices which .prevailed on this market six mouths ago. Ho was convinced that when normal conditions prevail butchers will have to pay more for their cattle and consumers a slightly enhanced price for their beef.