SPRING PROSPECTS

Waikato Times, Volume 105, Issue 17712, 16 May 1929, Page 7

SPRING PROSPECTS

HIGH PRICES FOR STOCK. BIG DEMAND FOR DAIRY CATTLE. Stock agents predict that prices for beef cattle will be above normal in the coming spring. The chief reason in that two years ago large orders were received from abroad for veal, and many calves were sold which would otherwise have been corning to maturity about this time. The shortage lias not been felt. In fact, beef prices have been, on The easy side for the past two weeks, but a change is expeeled in tlie spring. This year there lias been a shortage of . cow beef. A large firm which handled 20,000 to 30,000 of these beasts last year has had only three or four thousand this year to date. It is said that many of the beef cows that would ordinarily be on the market have been kept hack for breeding. It is thought likely that good prices for slcers will he Hie rule for Hie next two years. The outlook for sellers of fat lambs for next season is also good, we are informed. Mutton is more doubtful. Dairy cattle, especially pedigree stock, arc very much in demand. Tlie prices paid at pedigree sales in tins district are probably the highest ever recorded. The willingness of farmers to pay these prices is evidence of general prosperity and eagerness to progress. The market for dairy cows in general lias undoubtedly been affected by the killing of heifers as “ bobby calves " during the past two years, .