BUOYANT MARKETS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21155, 3 July 1940, Page 11

BUOYANT MARKETS

VALUES IN WAIKATO INTEREST IN STORES DAIRY CATTLE IN REQUEST Fat cattle are usually firm with occasional slight changes in favour of buyers. Store cattle are in request at sometimes better money. Quality dairy cattle are keenly sought. Fat sheep are firm to firmer. Store sheep still command a steady inquiry. Short entries of fat pigs are dearer. More money is paid for store Pigs. A buoyant market has been experienced for all classes of stock in the Waikato during the past week. All fat classes have been in keen request and the growing lightness of the entries in some departments is strengthening the demand. Greater interest has been displayed in store stock and special sales held recently have on the whole been very successful. Graziers have been anxious to replenish stocks and a keener interest in store cattle has been apparent. The demand for store sheep is better described as steady rather than enthusiastic, although a strong demand has been shown at some centres. At the Te Kuiti winter sheep fair last week ewe hoggets were reported as showing a rise of 3s to 4s a head, the top price for this class being 29s 9d. A line of 400 two-tooth ewes at the same sale sold at 355. Good dairy cattle have continued in brisk request. It has been estimated that the culling from dairy herds in the Waikato this year was heavier than ever and this is probably one reason for the keener demand this season. Good replacements are not particularly easy to obtain and consequently quality cattle sell at very satisfactory figures. Lower Schedule The drop in the export schedule for beef of 2s per 1001 b, which came into operation from last Friday, cannot be without its repercussions in the Waikato trade. Its effect was noticeable at the Frankton sale yesterday when slightly lower rates ruled in some instances. It was anticipated last week that higher beef values would be experienced this week, but the change in the schedule has altered circumstances. In view of the discussion that is often heard in stock circles as to the prices that ruled for beef in the last war, the following stock report of the Westfield sale on June 9, 1915, should be of interest:—“Steers ranged in price from £7 10s to £l7 2s 6d, a truck of extra choice quality steers from Mr J. D. P. Morgan, of Pukeroro, averaging £l6 4s 2d. Cows and heifers ranged in price from £4 to £l7 10s. The latter price was obtained for a cow from Mr Morgan and was purchased by Mr G. O. Knight, of Kaxangahape Road. The . 6 ure is a record for the Westfield market.” Values For Sheep The setback experienced for ewes last week was fully recovered at the Frankton market yesterday, the market for wethers also being just a shade firmer. At all Waikato yards firm sales have been experienced. To provide a comparison with current stock prices and those ruling at approximately the same period in the war year of 1915, a report of the sheep sale at Westfield in June, 1915, is interesting. At that period, however, lack of shipping space was causing considerable concern. The report is as follows: —“Sheep came forward in full numbers and met with rather a slack market. Ewes were easier by 2s to 3s a head and heavy prime wethers by Is 6d a head. Extra prime wethers, 28s to 30s; heavy prime wethers, 25s to 27s 6d; medium to heavy, 22s to 24s 6d; unfinished, 19s 6d to 21s 6d. Extra heavy prime ewes, 20s to 24s 6d; good ewes, 17s 6d to 19s 6d; others, 13s to 16s; lambs, 10s 6d to 21s 9d.” Light Pig Entries Only light entries of fat pigs have been forward and these have consisted mainly of light to medium porkers. Few heavy baconers have been shown. Porkers have been dearer, the same can be said for store pigs. Sows have been meeting with a keen demand, but in view of the stress that is being placed upon the vital importance of increasing bacon supplies it would not be surprising to see higher values for sows. The reported intention of some city and borough councils to help in the national drive for increased bacon production should also stimulate the demand.