SHORTHORN REVIVAL

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21409, 27 February 1935, Page 6

SHORTHORN REVIVAL

II u; II I'KICKS KOIJ lU'I.LS There has been a great revival in (he Shorthorn bull trade in England and Scotland. Recent sales at Perth have produced the best results since the early post-war years, thanks to spirited competition by Ai-gentina and Australia and the fact that some English breeders are strengthening herds. The winner ol the championship at the Perth show and sales was sold to the Argentine for 3200 guineas, while a noted English breeder paid thesame price for another prize Shorthorn, but was outbid by the Argentine for the champion bull. The third highest price at the sale was 2400 guineas, paid by a representative of the Commonwealth Wool and Produce Company of Australia for Red Baronet, a son of Glastullich Waverly, bred by Mr John Macgillivray, of Calrossie. who averaged £991 for 12 bulls. Sales included 12.350 guineas for the six best bulls. Some minor Australian purchases were also recorded. Perth is now recognised as the most important centre from which to obtain good breeding stock. The average price of the bulls sold was £132, compared with £55 last year. Commenting on the revival, the "Scotsman" says:— "Notwithstanding the present low prices of beef cattle, there is a feeling of optimism that the tide of adversity is turning. Perhaps the horizon may be cleared when the Dominion Ministers come to London." In the estimate of the Victorian Wheat Growers' Corporation, issued last week, the Commonwealth's wheat harvest will this year be about 128,000,000 bushels, a decrease of about 47,000.000 bushels compared with last year, and the lowest since 1920 season. The estimate of 128,000.000 bushels is 11.000,000 bushels lower than the figure estimated by the corporation some time ago. In regard to Victoria's contribution, the estimate is approximately 28,000,000 bushels, or a decrease of 15,000,000 bushels compared with last year. Unusual seasonal conditions, particularly in Victoria, were responsible for the difference between the two estimates. Notable fat lamb production figures have been recorded by a Southland farmer, Mr A. Fleck, of Fairfax. Mr i Fleck has just sent his second draft of lambs to the Makarewa works. All ; told he has put off 943 fat lambs from 745 ewes, and has 150 store lambs left. The farm contains 278 acres and besides the foregoing it carried 207 dry sheep since the winter. Mr Fleck is a firm believer in top-dressing and this, along with careful management, has enabled him to set a standard that may take a lot of beating.