REDUCED VALUES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27404, 1 June 1950, Page 9

REDUCED VALUES

Large Yardings In Major Sections BURNSIDE STOCK SALE With fairly large yardings in the major sections, values for fat cattle and sheep barely reached the figures of last week. In the fat cattle section, the number penned was 375 head, and the quality was probably the best for some weeks. There are still, however, quite a number of average and unfinished cattle coming on the market. For the better class beef of both ox and heifer, there was little quotable difference from late sales, but in the average and ordinary sorts the market was lifeless and prices for this class of stock show'ed a further decline on market values.

The offering of fat sheep numbered 2750, and this was probably the best yarding for quality that has been at Burnside for a number of sales. There was an excellent display of both wethers and ewes, with a decidedly shorter supply of ordinary sorts. Last week’s values were barely maintained and on the average, could be quoted probably 2s a head below last week’s. Fat lambs had a keen inquiry and although there were a num-

ber of pens of only average to poor sorts, all lots were readily disposed of at auction at prices well up to, and over, schedule rates. The number of lambs yarded was approximately 900.

In the store cattle section, the offering again was made up mostly of young cattle of medium descriptions. Prices did not appear to be on a level with late rates, although for any well-grown steers in fresh condition the demand was again fairly good. Runners and vealers met with an indifferent demand and were even lower than last week.

Baconers and porkers are a line which seem tp maintain their rates at practically every sale. They are almost never in over-supply and all coming to hand are readily absorbed by the trade. The prices for these were well on a par with late sales. Dairy cattle again had a good inquiry for the good young sorts close to profit, but in the case of backward calvers, although in condition, there was little or no demand. FAT CATTLE The sale in -the fat cattle line of 375 head varied a good deal throughout; the average class of beef is not in favour with the trade, and in many cases it was difficult to make sales even at reduced rates. The better class commands quite good attention and is selling at prices equal to last week. Top price for the day was secured by a consignment from Mosgiel, offered on account of Mr W. Kirkland, of Elm Grove. This consignment of 10 bullocks made up to £32, an average of £3O ss, these being a particularly good lot, and were generally well commented on. Quotations: Extra prime bullocks, to £32 2s 6d; prime, £24 17s 6d to £2B 7s 6d; medium, £2l 17s 6d to £2O 2s 6d; light, from £l7 12s 6d. Extra prime heifers, to £2O 2s 6d; prime, £ls 17s 6d to £l7 17s 6d; medium, £l2 7s 6d to £l4 2s 6d; light, from £ll 12s 6d. Prime cows, £l4 7s 6d to £l7 12s 6d; medium, £ll 12s 6d to £l2 12s 6d; light, froifi £8 7s 6d. FAT SHEEP A yarding of 2750 of extra quality fat sheep, but with numbers-probably a shade more than were required. The demand was fairly regular, prices for wethers being a shade below those at recent sales, while ewes showed little quotable alteration. Quotations: Extra prime ewes, to 50s; prime, 44s to 48s; medium, 36s to 40s; light, from 325. Extra prime wethers, to 725; prime, 66s to 695; medium, 58s to 635; light, from 48s. FAT LAMBS The yarding of approximately 900 fat lambs was a mixed one, nevertheless prices were well in the vendors’ favour, both the trade and export buyers bidding well up to their limits. One consignment of 25 extra quality lambs offered on account of Mr R. Burgess, Highcliff, made an average of 71s. Quotations: Extra prime lambs, to 71s 7d; prime, 58s to 655; medium, 50s to 545; light, from 425. STORE CATTLE With the exception of the better class cattle, interest in store cattle was lacking, this no doubt being due to the lateness of the season. Good fresh-conditioned three to four-year-old steers made up to £l9; average sorts three to four-year-old, £ls 17s 6d to £l7 ss; one and a-half to two-year-old steers, £9 15s to £l3 10s. Best quality runners, £lO 10s to £l2; average sorts, £7 16s to £8; best vealers, £5 to £5 12s; light and medium, from £3 14s. FAT PIGS Again a good sale for all classes of baconers and porkers, with prices inclined to be even a shade better than last week. Best quality baconers, to £8 16s; prime, £7 18s to £8 7s; medium, £7 4s to £7 10s; light, from £6 16s. Best porkers, £5 15s to £6 12s; small and medium, from £4 18s. DAIRY CATTLE With the exception of a few sorts of decent cattle, the bulk of the yarding of dairy cattle was of backward calvers. The inquiry for close-to-profit cows was good, these making from £lB to £2O, and for the better class heifers in the same condition, £ls to £l7. Late calvers made from £5 15s to £7 18s.