SUCCESSFUL YEAR

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 180, 1 July 1940, Page 5

SUCCESSFUL YEAR

PIG MARKETING ASSOCIATION FURTHER PROGRESS AND CONSOLIDATION MADE Although compared with last year Dominion killings for export show a decline of 115..000 pigs or 22 per cent to the end of May, the published figures of the New Zealand Co-operative Pig Marketing Association show u corresponding fall of only 19,500 pigs or 15 per cent, while in respect of weight of pig_ meat handled an actual increase of 1 2.9 per cent is recorded. This aspect of the company's experience is indeed some gratifying and is a pleasing tribute to its farmer shareholders, whose response to the company's appeal for increased production of bacon pigs was an excellent one. Altogether the Association has marketed just under 110,000 Hligs, 254.,000 bobby calves and 3000 head of cull cattle, amounting in all to 365,158 carcases with an aggregate hooks weight of 22,518,2661b5. Of the total Aveight of pig meat handled over 45 per cent was disposed of direct from the producer to the retail trade through its oavii subsidiaries and associated curing factories, Avliile of tlie remainder 25 per cent was marketed under the commandeer and the balance at export Avorks and to other bacon company clients. It Avill thus be seen that the widespread of these, marketing ramifications provides their farmer suppliers Avith an effective bargaining strength in respect of the sale of their products. Large Turnover. The Association's turnover during the year is shown at £524,089, which together Avith its subsidaries Avill again exceed £750,000.v In spite of the general increase in costs,, the Association's administration ses are shown at .123 cl per lb of pig meat handled against .148 d for last year. A. total of over has already been distributed during the season to suppliers of pigs, bobby calves and cull cattle,, and there is a nett surplus available for final distribution to pig and cull cow suppliers of £17,500, such amount being exclusive of share credits and other benefits on qualified plyThis surplus, which it is intended to distribute to suppliers towards the end of July, Avill show producers a total return on their pigs approximating %d per lb more than the average realised last year, Avhich must be regarded as highly satisfactory. High Level of Advance Payments. Throughout the year the company's advance payments have been kept at a record high level, being over 94 per cent of this total nett value of pigs supplied on consignment. This policy has been made possible by the increasing financial strength of the company, including its extremely liquid position. A complete schedule of final payment rates Avill be found in the com pany's annual report Avhich Avill be circulated to its 10,000 shareholders and suppliers on or before the middle of July. The Association's subscribed capital noAA r stands at £33 ; <600, being an increase of over £3,000 on the figures published last year.