STORTFORD LODGE STOCK VALUES

Chronicle (Levin), 4 December 1947, Page 6

STORTFORD LODGE STOCK VALUES

HASTINGS, Dec. 3. Shorn wethers were mostly easier at Stortford Lodge today though the market was inclined to be erratic aua some really good saies were* eft'ectea. The market for hill country two-tootu ewes was tested for the first time tnis season when several iines came forward to range from 30s to 40s lOd. The latter price was 2s 2d better than the value made by four-tooth ewes from the same property. Generally ewes sold well. Good two-tooth wethers were traded at 32s 7d to 34s, smaller at 29s 3d to 31s 6d and older wethers at 33s lOd to 35s Od. Fat sheep encountered a "sticky" market, extra heavy ewes being back about 2s a head and wethers also sellling on an easier levei. The congestion at the freezing works is stated to be the reason for the iaek of interest by buyers. There was a yarding of only 700 head. Extra prime wethers sold at 41s ld, prime making 35s lOd to 3Ss lOd and unfinished 33s lOd. Extra lieavy ewes brought 22s 7d, prime seliing at 25s 4d to 25s 7d, unfinished at 23s 4d to 23s 7d and prime young ewes at 33s ud to 36s 4d. Down two-tootlrs realiaed 33s lOd. Store caAle held tlieir own on fche market. The operations oi West Coast buyers, particularly for young steers. helped to add life to the market. A& with other recent saies, cattie wlncU can be quicklv finished oli were m greatest deiuand. For good bulloeks buyers were prepared to pay £16 to £16 16s, lighter bulloeks in had condition selling at £10 10s to £13 7s. Tliree-year steers changed hands at £12 l~s (id to £13 15s, good two-year steers at £12 11s to £13 with smaller tvvo-year-olds at £7 7s 6d to £10 10s. Good einpty cows were traded at £10 10s, inferior iines selling at £6 17s to £7. Two-year heifers made £9 10s. After last week's depressed market the demand ior beef sliowed some improvement. kiore buyers were interestod in the oilering of 150 head and cattie which canie forward included niore beasts suitable to the summer trade. Values for prime older q x ranged from £21 11s to £22 13s 0d with prime tlireeyear steers at £18 18s (id to £19 18s (id and lighter at £1S (is. Choice heifers and ebws sold well at an average oi £13 3s, heifers making up to £15 8s (id. Other heifers in medium to prime order realised £13 to £14 1,8s (id. Prime cows brought £12 8s Od to £14 is.