DAIRY STOCK IN DEMAND; SHEEP PRICES UP WHERE FEED IS PLENTIFUL

Taupo Times, Volume XIV, Issue 36, 11 May 1965, Page 10

DAIRY STOCK IN DEMAND; SHEEP PRICES UP WHERE FEED IS PLENTIFUL

A stmng deinand for dairy stock has been a feature of North Island saies in the pa^t few weeks and recent high prices have been maintained or even snrpassed. Boner cows and bulls have been in strong demand. The excellent feed position in most areas has caused cattle prices to remain steady but in some cases they have settled down at more realistic rates than the premium prices paid earlier. Improved feed supplies in several districts have sent sheep prices up but in other areas values have been steady or even a little easier. Both cattle and sheep prices in Auckland have remainecl consistent duringj the last two months with fat prices tending to ease a little recently. Polled Angus cows have maintained their values with the best making to £50. Best forward , bullocks have solcl from £42 to £45. P^at hoggets have eased a little to approximately 75/to 78/6 for good sheep while four - tooth wethers have made to 70/-. Fat ewe prices have been influenced a great deal by the high breeding-ewe market. Consequently, ewes with sound mouths have made to 65/- and lesser ones from 1 40/- to 50/-. Dairy cattle have maintained their recent high prices with the accent on town supply cattle, top quality Friesian heifers making from £55 to £60 and cows at- similar rates. Fifteen-month-old Friesian heifers have made as high as £36 but more generally have sold around the £30 mark. Six-month-old Friesian and Jersey calves have made the outstanding prices of £24 to £26 with most lines easily bettering £20.

Town supply herds have made £50 privately, while Jersey butterfat herds have been quoting and selling from £40 to £45. Boner cows and bulls have been in constant demand selling usually £2 or £3 above schedule, several bulls making over £100. At Westfield one shorthorn buH sold at £112, thereby creating a record for that saleyard.