HIGH PRICES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26848, 12 August 1948, Page 7

HIGH PRICES

BEEF AND MUTTON RECENT VALUES ECLIPSED With small entries in all sections at the Burnside market yesterday, prices again reached particularly high levels. The feature of the sale was the Increase in values compared with last sale for both fat cattle and fat sheep. The offering of fat cattle was less than 200 head, and this was much below the requirements of the trade. The result was high prices, with keen competition for all classes offered. The yarding of cattle was mostly of fair quality, with a few consignments of choice sorts. From the outset it was quite apparent that prices would reach a high level, and the prices secured were the highest for some considerable time. ,The increase in fat cattle values compared with last week was probably £5 to £6 a head, and although cows and heifers did not show the same appreciation, the values secured fo’r this class have not been reached for some time. It cannot be .assumed that this will be the established price for fat cattle, as there are still a number of cattle on hand, and it was probably a case of a short yarding creating somewhat artificial values. Fat sheep, of which there was also ■ a small offering, approximately 1500 f being yarded, had a keen inquiry throughout. Prices for these also reached a new high level, well above anything which has been in the history of Burnside. One consignment made up to £5 Is 6d, with two other consignments selling at £5 Os 6d, and another at £5. Apart from these high prices there were a number of pens making from 82s up to 90s. Ewes also had a good demand, young ewes making up to 82s 6d, and nrime heavy ewes to 70s. Hoggets, of which there were a few to hand, also had good inquiry, best sorts making up to 60s, and average from 40s to 455. This has been about the fifth yarding in succession at which small offerings have cpme to hand, and it is quite apparent that fat sheep are not procurable. It is more than probable that it will be some weeks before early shorn sheep come to hand, so that high prices look to be the order for some time. No store cattle came forward, and the offering of runners was also limited, these likewise having a good sale throughout with recent values well maintained.