DOWNWARD TREND

Evening Post, Volume CXXVII, Issue 3, 5 January 1939, Page 12

DOWNWARD TREND

PRICES OF LIVESTOCK i

REOPENING OF MARKETS

The trend of prices was generally lower when sales of livestock were resumed in the "Dominion this week. Beef prices fell sharply at Westfield, values being 10s to 15s a head lower, equal to about 2s a 1001b. There was a large yarding of extra choice ox beef which made to 38s a 1001b. Ewe values declined slightly in a full average yarding of sheep with prices for wethers being steady. The sale was dull for a good average entry, of calves, and only prime sorts made late rates, inferior being hard to quit, except at lower levels. Competition was keen for a small yarding of pigs, and prices generally were very firm, porkers were keenly sought and improved in some instances for prime beasts. There was a general easing of prices at Burnside because of a slack demand. The entry of fat cattle comprised principally forward mediumquality bullocks. Prices were on a par with those of last sale, with the exception of a decline of 15s a head for cows and heifers. The fat sheep yarding totalled 1800 head, and with dull competition prices were down by 3s for best butchers' wethers, with other lines faring similarly. Passings became frequent later, and there was a further decline of about Is a head. There were only 300 fat lambs entered, and these met with a good sale, prices being a shade above -freezing schedule. There was also a good sale for a small section of store cattle. Porkers met with a firm sale up to £3 18s, but prime baconers eased by 5s a head. The demand for stores was only fair.