BUOYANT MARKET

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 7

BUOYANT MARKET

FAVOURABLE SEASONS RECORD LAMB KILLINGS BENEFITS OF PIG FARMING “The phenomenal autumn and winter seasons experienced this year have brought about an unusual buoyancy in the stock market,” commented Mr E. M. Edkins in his address to shareholders. “It is many years since natural conditions have so favoured the farmer, and all stock came through the winter in splendid order. In a large number of cases farmers still have supplies of hay and ensilage on hand, thus enabling them to build up again the reserves they were compelled to use in the previous season. “In the spring it was generally expected there would be a short lamb killing, but owing to the excellent conditions prevailing during the autumn, a large number of lambs usually held as stores, went to the works at fat, and record killings resulted. “The sheep flocks in the Dominion at April 39, 1940, totalled 31,050,859, a reduction of 846,241 on the previous year’s record figures. “This published decrease does not, however, reveal the exact position, as a greater number of killings took place in the autumn, that is, after the end of April, as compared with the previous year. Autumn killings were 350,000 sheep and lambs, so the total decrease is nearer 1.200,000. Stock For Export “The total of all classes of stock for export was 12,767,994 freight carcases, an increase over the previous season of 1,948.202. Lambs killed totalled 10,381,595. an increase of 639.092. Wether killings were 1,131,151 carcases, and ewes 1,919,562. An increase of 71 per cent in beef killings was also revealed. “In the original war purchase agreement, the British Government stipulated that 75 per cent of the total weight of pork shipped should be in the 101/1801b. range, that is, baconer weights,” added Mr Edkins. “In April, however, the Ministry of Food Supply consented to the removal of this restriction; but its existence for a large part of the season resulted in the porker killings to June 1 being 98,069 carcases only, as compared with 345,155 for the corresponding period of last season. Farmers thus carried their pigs to baconer weights, so that killings of this type were 131,761 carcases ahead of the previous season.

“The net result was that although in numbers the killings of porkers and baconers together dropped by roughly 115,000 (534,383 last year and 419,058 this season), production in actual weight for the season under review was equal to that of last year. “ Farmers availed themselves readily of the up-to-date facilities provided by the company at the principal saleyards, and consequently a large number of pigs was handled. Dairy farmers who were able to run this class of business as a sideline received the benefit of the excellent prices ruling. Unquestionably pig farming, as it obtains today, is a payable proposition. Not only were larger numbers of fat pigs handled by the company, but a markedly increased number of store pigs were also sold. A feature of the pig sales this year was the keen interest displayed in breeding sows, and during the season a very large number changed hands. The faith which farmers now have in the pig industry was shown by the high prices paid for breeding sows—for the best £lO to £l2 was common, with medium sorts selling from £7 to £B. Good Pedigree Sales “As usual, a large number of dairy sales was held, and speaking generally the market remained firm throughout, prices for the most part being in vendors’ favour,” he added. “Sales of pedigree cattle, particularly bulls, were good. In fact it was one of the best seasons experienced for some time. The company more than held its own in handling this specialised branch of the stock trade. “The market for horses, which has been dull for some time, showed a welcome revival at the recent Cambridge spring fair. Clydesdales from the South Island were again the main feature of the sale, and without doubt Waikato farmers appreciate the quality and general utility of these animals. A good demand has existed for all classes of sheep, mutton especially being steady throughout the year. A large number of breeding ewes was again drawn from the East Coast and southern districts, and most of these were supplied to our clients through the Morrinsville yards. This is now recognised as the chief distributing centre in the Auckland Province for store sheep. “Backed by the full support of our shareholders and clients, and the knowledge of the adequate facilities and efficient service we have to offer, we can look with confidence for an even greater volume of stock trade in the coming year.”