BUOYANT TONE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21038, 14 February 1940, Page 10

BUOYANT TONE

MARKETS IN WAIKATO

STOKE SHEEP FIRMER FAT STOCK IN REQUEST Fat cattle sell at fully firm rates. Small entries of store cattle make unchanged money. Fat sheep are ready of sale at recent values. Store sheep are sometimes firmer. Firm to higher values are current for fat pigs. Store pigs are unchanged in values. Waikato stock markets throughout I the week have remained buoyant and any changes in last week’s ruling rates have been to the benefit of vendors. With further rises in export schedules there has been a tendency for fat stock to firm further and there appears to be every likelihood of rises in the market at future sales. Large entries of store sheep have been handled during the week, but despite the heavy nature of the yardings sales have sometimes been made on a firmer basis. Another very successful ram fair was held at Claudelands last week, values being particularly satisfactory in view of the large number forward. The first Romney fair will be held at Claudelands tomorrow and indications are that values will exceed those of last week. Beef Values Hold The rising tendency for beef has not been checked during the week but on the contrary has been accelerated by the recent advance in the expert schedule. Although there was no distinct advance in values at the Frankton sale yesterday, values in some cases were firmer, particularly in the case of better quality cattle. With the export schedule again up it does not seem likely that any fall in beef values will occur for some time. Furthermore, with so much feed available at the present time, some graziers are inclined to hold their cattle for a little longer to keep pastures in check. Entries have become noticeably shorter in the Waikato during the past several weeks and further shortening of supplies would speedily result in a further hardening of values. Market For Sheep Although some expected that values would drop a shade as a result of the extra large entry, competition was keen for the big entry of some 28,000 breeding ewes at the Morrinsville yards last Friday and values actually showed a rise on those of the previous week. Some of the inferior lines were dear in comparison with the better quality consignments, some vendors apparently having prices too much in mind rather than quality. Two-tooths made up to 34s 5d against 36s 6d for the opening fair at Morrinsville, the entry of two-tooths last Friday being one of the biggest yet offered at a single fair in the Waikato. At the Waingaro fair last week bidding was also very keen and the sale proved one of the most successful held to date this season. The best price for two-tooths, 40s, was secured by Messrs G. W. Vercoe and Company at this fair, a line of 607 first-class sorts from Mr E. I. Michie, of Glen Afton, selling from 37s 6d to 40s. Mr J. W. Upton, of Te Kowhai, was the buyer of 300 at the latter figure. Four years ago when peak values for breeding ewes in the Waikato were obtained, the highest price given was 455. Keen Pig: Values Fat pigs continue to command keen attention at the saleyards and the improved level established for baconers at the end of last week has been maintained without difficulty. Baconers have advanced a further shilling to 89s, while porkers, which advanced substantially last week, have continued to sell firmly at the same rates. Store pigs, which slumped in prices a fortnight ago, have picked up again and are back to previous peak levels, very light entries being the main contributing factor to the change. With the export schedule at its present level, no drop in values for fat pigs appears likely in the immediate future.