FARMING NEWS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 12

FARMING NEWS

STUD STOCK. EXPORTS AND IMPORTS.. Exports and imports of stud stock for 1939 into and from New Zealand continue to be a very important feature of the Dominion’s primary production. Exports were valued at £136,118, and imports at £50,424. In a statement on the subject, Wright, Stephenson and Co., Ltd., stale: —Horses were the leading stock and were almost wholly bloodstock. Imports totalled £34,954. Britain was the leading supplier, sending 19 animals, costimr £13,405. to average almost £6OO a head: From Australia came 43, costing £10,972, lo average over £250 each. Exports went almost wholly to Australia, some 180 bead bringing £68,550, to avcrago £330 apiece. Imports of sheep numbered 986 head for £B7ll. and an average of £8 19s 6d. Australia was the principal supplier, sending 975 head, worth £7BOB, averaging £8 each. , Canada sent six head, worth £2sß—a high average of £43 each. Britain sent four head, but these cost £l5O each. Exports of sheep comprised .14,758 head for £64.852, an average of JB4 7s 6d. Australia was the leading purchaser in value, at £33,624 for 6859 head, averaging nearly £5. Japan, however, took the greatest nurnber, 7480 head, worth £23,024. averaging £3 2s only. Uruguay took 268, value £13,415; Argentine, 146, value £4340; Falkland Islands 73 value, £1910; South Africa 125. value £1653; Peru 10. value £700; United States 3, value £362; Kenya 4, value £132. CORRIEDALES EXPORTED.

The apparently low values of export sheep are explained by the fact that many were flock rams and a great proportion were ewes. Furthermore, shipping costs will in some instances almost double their cost to those upon whose farms they are finally to run. Again, of course, values for imported sheep are swollen conversely by expensive shipping and quarantine costs to bring into the Dominion.. As is customary New Zealand’s own breed, the Corriedale, was exported in greatest numbers, and some of the highest priced sheep were of this breed. Second on the list were Romney Marsh, which are being exported in increasing numbers to Australia and South Africa, with Southdowns a good third. A considerable number of Border Leiccsters were exported, wHlo Ryelands went to Australia numbering over four hundred head,- Lincolns, English Leicesters, and Merinos were exported in much smaller numbers, while Cheviots come into the picture, 10 ewes being exported to South Australia. A trend in. the importation of sheep on which the demand for the heavy lamb has had a big effect is the importation of Dorset Horn. Suffolks, and Shropshire!, from Australia in greatly increased numbers. Rather contrary to general expectations, the war has given a filip to New Zealand stud stock exports although, of course* the closing of the London quarantine station will mean that no further importations through that medium will bo possible.