PRESENTATION - THE BENCHMARK ANIMAL APPROACH
1. The historical data 1990 - 1994 was processed in terms of average weight for each grade-sex combination, and the following benchmarks are proposed:
Steer Grade 0 - 350 kg
Steer Grade 0 - 310 kg
Steer Grade 1 - 275 kg
Steer Grade 2 - 240 kg
Steer Grade 3 - 230 kg
Steer Grade 4 - 220 kg
Steer Grade 4 - 160 kg
Bull Grade 0 - 350 kg
Bull Grade 0 - 310 kg
Bull Grade 1 - 275 kg
Bull Grade 2 - 240 kg
Bull Grade 3 - 230 kg
Bull Grade 4 - 220 kg
Bull Grade 4 - 160 kg
Cow Grade 0 - 275 kg
Cow Grade 0 - 230 kg
Cow Grade 1 - 220 kg
Cow Grade 2 - 200 kg
Cow Grade 3 - 190 kg
Cow Grade 4 - 180 kg
Cow Grade 4 - 160 kg
Note that the above weights may be considered low for Arusha, high for Dar, and about right for Moshi; the intention in choosing is however of course so that inter-market comparison can be carried out, as well as intra-market and inter-market comparison over time...
Note that 7 data points are chosen for each sex - an average weight for each grade (from our data 1989-94) plus 2 extremes at high and low weights.
Note that for concise reporting presentation, the average prices for Steer Grade 1 275 kg, Bull Grade 1 275 kg and Cow Grade 2 200 kg should probably be quoted, again based on average frequency for the 3 major markets on a historical basis 1990 - 1994.
2. Note that the intention is that a WEEKLY report should quote for
all 3 major markets.
Numbers will probably be quoted to the nearest 100 Tsh for a domestic report, and to the nearest US$ 0.10 for export reports, but this may be modified to the nearest 1000 Tsh and nearest US$ 1.00.
Whether TLMP attempts to monitor Dar 5,6, or 7 days a week is debateable, and depends largely on findings of sample sizes required for reasonable accuracy and also of course on stability of behaviour, especially on the apparent price relationships between steers, bulls and cows over time (this is analysed and commented on below); also on yardage fluctuations and demand fluctuations.
3. Note that as the TLMP Market Information System starts to be accepted and even referred to by buyers and sellers, then that in itself should be a stabilising influence on price behaviour (within the framework of a possibly unstable rail supply situation prevailing at Dar es Salaam).