ASSISTANCE TO STOCK

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22467, 30 September 1944, Page 6

ASSISTANCE TO STOCK

IMPROVED .WEATHER CONDITIONS MARKET WELL SUPPLIED

The dry, sunny conditions this week have removed the danger of an early hold-up in pasture growth and dairy production which was threatened by the cold, boisterous weather of the previous fortnight. Young stock. particularly lambs, will benefit considerably by the improvement which has been welcomed by graziers as well as dairy men. Increased supplies have been reported at most sale centres but so far this has failed to prove a material handicap to the market.

Dairy cattle have met with a ready market wherever they have been offered and there has been a keen trade for yearling heifers both in the yards and in the paddock. Store cattle are still dear and in view of the expected shortage of supplies this spring it does not seem likely that there will be any lowering of current high levels. All store cattle prices are substantially in excess of those ruling for the same period last year and there can be only a narrow margin of profit for graziers buying on today’s market. Highly satisfactory prices have continued to rule at the special pedigree bull fixtures, prices up to 67 V 2 gns. being paid at the annual sale of the Morrinsville Jersey Club conducted by the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Company. Limited. An average of 35 \' z gns. was obtained at this sale for an entry of 78 head. Buoyant Beef Market The beef market is still buoyant at the various centres but an extra supply at the central yards on Tuesday resulted in a slight decrease in values for ox beef, although there was no noticeable change for cow and heifer beef. Extra heavy prime bullocks at this sale were quoted from £l6 to £l6 19s. The entry sold at the latter figure was an extra choice sort offered on account of Mr G. H. Hall, of Karapiro, by the Farmers’ Co-operative Auctioneering Company. One of the highlights of the cow and heifer beef sale was the sale of a heifer at £ls by Messrs Newton King. Limited, on behalf of Mr Fetch, of Te Kuiti. At the Matamata sale on Wednesday a large entry of beef sold at advanced rates, although there was an easing in values at this sale for boner cattle. Firm rates for boner cattle, however, have been reported from other centres.

Shorn sheep have been making their appearance in greater numbers at the saleyards where average supplies of all classes have been forward. Although numbers are still limited, more spring lambs have been yarded but few heavy sorts have been penned. Prices at Waikato yards have ruled from 23s to 30s 6d. No apparent change has occurred for wethers and ewes which have been firm of sale at the principal centres. Light entries of store hoggets have been selling readily and at Matamata were quoted from 22s to 25s 6d.

A feature of fat pig trading during the week has been the general increase in supplies, but this fact has not militated against values. Store pigs are still keenly sought, buttermilk and large store pigs being quoted’from £3 to £3 18s during the week. Baconers changed hands this week from £4 to £5 11s.