THE LIVESTOCK MARKETS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 35, 11 February 1939, Page 15

THE LIVESTOCK MARKETS

FAIR DEMAND FOR BREEDING EWES SHEEP FAIRS DRAW TO CLOSE The Farmers’ Co-op., in their weekly market report, advise as follows: The past week’s livestock business comprised mostly yard auctions, sheep fairs taking the major place. Heavy entries were the order of the day at all sheep fairs during the week and realisations have been quite good, with values firming considerably as compared with the earlier markets. Most of the lines that were disposed of during the week changed hands very readily, and vendors are apparently satisfied with values, as there is no doubt the market for later' fairs has been quite good and has proved quite up to expectations. Business in the paddock has shown a marked improvement as compared with that of the previous week. Quite a number of lambs continue to find their way to the various fairs and the demand for forward conditioned kinds has been well maintained and again the enquiry for any well-grown ewe lambs is also keen. This latter class is not coming forward in any great number and top sheep of this description sell very readily. During the week the range of values at the various fairs may be quoted as follows: Choice and quality 2-tooth ewes, to 29s 6d, with various other sales of useful sheep at 27s and 28s; smaller 2-tooth ewes, from 23s 6d to 255; best forward lambs, to 15s 6d, with good mediums from 12s 6d to 13s. Wellgrown lambs have sold to 20s, but the majority of sales for medium kinds .have been centred around 14s to 15s. Other branches of the business show little to no change as compared with our report of last week. Large entries of store cattle still continue to come forward and there is a firm demand for all classes at present. Works’ buyers operate keenly for all meaty kinds suitable for export. The market is very steady at the present time and values still maintain last week’s good level. Trade in Jersey weaner heifers is brightening considerably. More enquiries for choice weaners are to hand and several lines have changed hands at from £3 10s to £4, the latter price, of course, for top quality cattle.

The fat cattle market showed a slight improvement at some of the yard sales during the week, due to the fact that works’ buyers are giving good money for all young meaty cows. If anything, we would say fat cattle were dearer the week previous.

The fat sheep market does not show any material change and values are still centered round 20s for prime wethers and hoggets and 11s to 12s for good quality ewes. Details of our Kohuratahi and Ngamatapouri sheep fairs have already been published. The pig entries that are coming forward still continue to do so in large numbers. The demand for baconers, porkers and good conditioned stores is quite good, but there is a general easing in values for weaners. With the season well advanced, it is only to be expected that there will be a general drop in prices for the latter.

FEILDING SALE STORE LAMBS IN DEMAND [ Per Press Association.} FEILDING, Feb. 10. There was a much improved demand for store lambs at the Feilding sale to-day. There was a large yarding, good sorts advancing about 2s per head. Breeding ewes were not a very good class, prices being insufficient to indicate the market. The cattle demand was quiet. Range of prices:— Fat Sheep.—Prime lambs, 19s to 245; light, 16s 6d to 18s 9d; ewes, 9s to 12s 6d; wethers, prime, 19s to 21s 3d; lighter, 16s 3d to 18s 7d. Store Sheep.—W.F. lambs, 14s 6d to 17s 6d; b.f. do., 15s 8d to 18s; ewe do., 15s 7d to 17s; m.a. ewes, 26s 6d; 5year do., 16s to 18s 7d; 6-tooth to 5year do., 16s Id; 5 to 6-tooth do., 13s 2d; 2-tooth do., 21s 9d; 2-tooth wethers, 15s 7d. Store Cattle.—3-5 •ar P.A. steers. £7 15s to £9; forward cows, £3 5s to £4 ss. Fat Cattle.—Cows, prime, £7 5s to £8 ss; lighter, £5 15s to £7; heifers, £6 5s to £B. Dairy Cattle.—Springing cows, to £8 15s; heifers in milk, £7.