MARKETS FIRM

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21197, 21 August 1940, Page 11

MARKETS FIRM

LARGE ENTRIES THROUGHOUT BACONERSIN REQUEST PRIME EWES SELL WELL Large fat cattle entries sell at rates slightly easier than last week’s rates. Store cattle show corresponding easing tendency. Dairy stock sell at firm rates. Fat sheep are cheaper. A decline on last week’s quotations for store sheep. Fat pigs sell at rates, in cases, up to 5s in advance of last week. Store pigs sell at 2s a head cheaper than last week. The stage is set for a very favourable spring as far as both farming and stock trade activity is concerned. The bleak winds at the end of last week served as a reminder, however, that cold conditions may be experienced during next few weeks. On the other hand the mild weather previously ruling, which was followed by a spell of warm rain, gave pastures a good start and ensured adequate spring growth. Lambing is in full swing and the new arrivals are doing particularly well. There has been some bearing trouble in the flocks, but on the whole the position is very satisfactory. A further indication of the mild season that is being experienced is provided by the fact that in some areas white clover has been observed to be in flower. Stock trade activities have been marked by a brisker tempo during the week, increased business associated with spring becoming daily more apparent. A buoyant market has characterised trading at saleyard centres and values on the whole are substantially ahead of those current at this time last year.

Values For Beef Fair entries of fat cattle have been submitted at Waikato saleyards during the week and at all centres keen values have ruled. Graziers who were fortunate enough to buy stores fairly cheaply are showing a satisfactory margin on current sales of the finished stock. On the other hand, graziers, who are now unloading on a favourable market, are being compelled to buy stores in a market that is unusually buoyant. Whatever values are ruling for beef next year, it is likely that their returns may not be as satisfactory. Large numbers of stores have recently arrived in the Waikato from the East Coast, and, judging by the keen nature of the competition shown for special entries of this class to date, a very satisfactory market seems assured for Coast vendors. Keen Sheep Values The unusual buoyancy of the fat sheep market has been one of the features of the Waikato stock market during the past few weeks. The smallness of the entries at the country centres has tended to concentrate buyers on the central yards where the more buoyant nature of the entries has resulted in an easier market. There has also been some fair measure of paddock activity during the week, and it is reported that in a number of cases large lines of ewes have been selling above 30s. Comparatively few stores have been offered, but what entries have been offering have commanded very keen inquiry. Current rates for fats cannot be without their effect on store quotations, and it is generally expected that breeding ewe values at the beginning of next year will reach new levels.