WAIKATO MARKET

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 182, 22 October 1927, Page 25 (Supplement)

WAIKATO MARKET

DAIRY CATTLE SOUGHT INQUIRY FOR SHEEP There is considerable activity in the stock market in the Waikato, according to reliable reports, and good dairy cattle are being sought after. During the past fortnight the beef market has been very low and disappointing to graziers. Fortunately a small demand crept in for export, and local buyers are taking limited quantities, which will relieve the position. In consequence of beef values the market for store bullocks is lower than for some months ago. Good bullocks can be bought at £6 10s to £7 ss, at which prices will show a margin of profit for summer grazing. There is a firm demand for young cattle, and when the fern starts to grow it is difficult to say where the young cattle will come from, as with the number of calves being killed, there are less young cattle every day. With the good prospects for produce, there is a keen demand for all dairy stock, especially well-bred yearling Jersey heifers of good quality. The sheep market is steady and prices for fat classes are quite satisfactory to graziers. The store market is firm and there is a big inquiry for shorn sheep off shears. These are making high prices in comparison with fat sheep. Lambs in the Waikato are looking exceptionally well and the season promises to be a good one. Freezing prices have not yet been announced, but no doubt will be within the next two or three weeks. The pig market is very unstable and prices ruling are much lower than farmers anticipated, there being little or no export done in this class. Inquiries made in connection with the reports that cattle are being bought for freezing reveal the fact that W. and R. Fletcher have been buying small quantities of oxen for export, but the demand is very limited. It is also learned that Borthwicks have bought a small quantity for freezing at their Waitara works. Farmers in the Waikato would welcome rain, as the ground has become very hard and the prevailing cold winds tend to dry the pastures. When rain comes there should be an abundance of feed.

Taranaki Jersey Values.—At the annual Jersey bull sale at New Plymouth the 83 head sold realised 1,902 guineas, an average of £24 Is 6d, which is very satisfactory considering that most of the bulls were yearlings. The top price was 90 guineas paid for Mr. G. H. Bell’s rising two-year-old Pinewood’s Golden Lad. Mr. R. C. Henry’s Poplarvale four years old, made 80 guineas, and was the first prize-winner in the senior class at the show held prior to the sale. Other good prices were: 65 guineas, 60 guineas, 55 guineas, 51 guineas and 50 guineas (2).