PIG INDUSTRY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 161, 17 May 1940, Page 7

PIG INDUSTRY

INVASION OF DENMARK "In the early stages of the war louht as to the shipping position jompelied the' Imperial Government :o change drastically its requirements, and for some time it seemed likely that no pork could be exportid." said the president of the Auckland District Pig Council, Mr R. C. Clark, at the annual conference of pig clubs held at Pukekohe. "The effect of this was most serious, but loyal efforts were made to adjust production, and the shipping position has meanwhile improved to such an extent that the embargo on pork no longer hampers production. Our duty as pig producers is to provide as many baconers as possible for export. "The invasion of Denmark by Germany materially affects not only the immediate position in regard to bacon exports, but it may be reckoned that the Danish pig industry will suffer heavily during the German occupation. "The shortage of foodstuffs," said Mr Clark, "is very likely to lead indiscriminate killings, particularly of heavier pigs usually reserved for breeding purposes. If wisely watched, the position is likely to develop favourably for New Zealand, not only during, but also for several years after the war. We must be far sighted and work toAvards adjusting ourselves to the opportunities presenting themselves,'" lie said. Mr Clark expressed regret at the decline in the pig production in New Zealand. He appealed to farmers, in the interests of the Dominion, to endeavour to arrest the decline and produce more pigs of a good standard type. "There is a big work for the district pig councils to do, but it requires clear thinking, continued advocacy and, not the least, patience ... It must not be forgotten by those responsible that the price paid for pig products had to be such as to encourage the farmer to undertake the work of increasing production," he concluded.