I9II.] 



Slaughtering of Young Calves. 



401 



between one of their correspondents and themselves on the 

 subject. 



Sir, — As one of the largest land agents in this county, and 

 as one of your oldest surveyors, may I be permitted to call 

 the attention of the Board to the scarcity, and consequent 

 prohibitive price of store cattle. 



At the present moment the live-weight price of good stores 

 in this county ranges from about 42s. to nearly 50s. per cwt. 

 A normal price, at this season, would be about 36s. or there- 

 abouts, and at that price, feeders require to sell the fattened 

 animal, in the following spring, at about the same price 

 per cwt., namely, 36s. (net), in order to avoid loss. Beef 

 is a shilling or two per cwt. above that figure at present, 

 but not sufficiently far above it (even if the same price prevails 

 next year) to justify the present price of stores, and feeders are 

 therefore buying it at a level which means certain loss. They 

 know this very well, but they cannot help themselves, they 

 cannot get cattle cheaper. 



Store prices have been gradually rising since 1905. The 

 figures published by the Teviotdale Farmers' Club show this 

 clearly. They are as follows : — ■ 



In five years the increase in price has been nearly 30 per cent., 

 and ihe returns of 1911 will carry the level even beyond that 

 figure. 



The certaintv of loss accruing to the feeders is not the 

 only untoward circumstance which arises from this state of 

 affairs. The sheep industry is certain to be affected, and that 

 unfavourably. Summering cattle are absolutely necessary for 

 keeping pastures in a condition suitable for sheep; the dearth 

 of stores means that pastures are not being adequately 

 stocked with cattle, and grazings will, in consecjiience, become 

 unsuitable for sheep. This is an iniportant j^oini to keep 

 in mind in considering the question. 



Milfield, Alnwick, 

 Northumberland. 

 May 23, 191 1. 



1905 

 1906 

 1907 

 1908 

 1909 

 1910 

 191 1 



Year. 



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