BIG DECLINE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27345, 22 March 1950, Page 8

BIG DECLINE

Prices For Some Ewes At Oturehua

RABBITS HELD RESPONSIBLE Special to the Daily Times OTUREHUA. Mar. 21. Oturehua todav experienced its largest stock yarding for possibly the last 30 years, 19,000 sheep being offered for auction. Quaiitv of the yarding over all was not good, with the exception of the offering of a complete flock of outstanding quaiitv Romney-cross ewes, vendored on behalf of the Ida Valley Station. Included also were three pens of choice Romneycross two-tooth ewes which commanded keen competition. A noticeable factor of this sale was the decline in prices for the f. and f.m. ewe. Compared with last year s extreme rates, prices were back fully 8s to 10s a head. That it was partly due to the alarming increase in rabbits, was undoubtedly shown in the condition of the sheep. The full-mouth ewe in good condition did not suffer to the same extent but values were easier on late rates at the other centres. All classes of lambs were a shade easier. Quotations:-—Extra good Romney-cross two-tooth ewes, 74s fid to 77s 6d; good. 62s to 65s 6d; medium, to 565. Extra good two-shear Romney-cross ewes, 74s 6c! • extra good three-shear Romney-cross ewes. 61s 6d: extra good four-shear Romney-cross ewes, 56s 6d. Good s.m. crossbred ewes. 34s to 36s fid; medium, 22s fid to 28s 6d; low-conditioned six and eight-tooth ewes, 22s 6d: low-conditioned f.m ewes, 14s 3d to 17s 9d: f. and f.m. ewes, 5s to 10s 6d; medium halfbred twotooth ewes, 525; medium fine crossbred wethers, to 30s 6d. Extra good Romneycross ewe lambs, 47s 3d to 48s; good, 39s 3d to 435: medium, 34s to 375: small, to 31s 6d. Fat and forward wether lambs. 38s 6d: good wether lambs, 32s 3d to 345: medium, 25s 6d to 275; small. 15s 6d to 21s; cull, 14s Gd. M.s. lambs to 33s 6a: euli m.s. lambs, 16s to 20s.