THE STOCK

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 205, 18 May 1918, Page 10

THE STOCK

SOUTH ISLAND POSITION. "Agricola," in the "Farmers' Union Advocate,"' says'"There is very little to roport that is new in regard .to the stock. They are living under ideal conditions just now. The weather is dry and not too cold, and there is any amount of feed about. The rams are now 'out among the ewes, and conditions are so good all round that a good lambing may be expected next season. As for the sheep on rape and turnips, they are doing very well indeed, nnd a largo number of fats are going into the works. It is to ba hoped that the works will be able to keep going for somo time yet, as there is still a large number of sheep and lambs to go through. The fine weather is enabling the turnips to be made the most of, there being very little wasft?, but I am afraid that if fhe works should close down earlier than usual roots will bo scarce. It is remarkable, how few really good crops of turnips there are in tho various districts. The rape is still putting on a good second growth, and the grass is still springing, so that, there is plenty of feed in sight for the present. There has been a big drop in the store market in many districts, both in cattle and sheep, especially in anything that is on the old or the poor side. Some farmers are talking of a slump, stating that one lias already set in. While there may be something of the nature in progress, it is not true to say that tho bottom has altogether fallen out of the market. Good stuff is still commanding good prices. In fact, it is as dear as it could be. It is not a good sign to see stock booking as was the case a month or two ago, and if prices have fallen somewhat there is this consolation about it—that they are at a far safer level than wore. }Vhen all the farmers are wanting to stock up at one time there is sure to be some c-x> citement, and that was the case during the months of February, March, and part of April. Shipping is such an unknown quantity as far as the future is concern, ed that it is not good to see prices at an inflated .level just now. It were better if there were more caution in the air."