PIGS FOR EXPORT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 13, 6 February 1942, Page 3

PIGS FOR EXPORT

IMPORTANCE OF WEIGHT

KEEPING WITHIN SCHEDULE

The importance of keeping pigs for export within the stipulated weights has again been stressed by Mr M. J. Seott, Superintendent of the Pig Industry, in a circular letter to district pig councils.

Because of the variations in yields of Wiltshire sides from carsaseS due to differences in jigs and differences in methods of trimming, ami because of the needs of some fair way of paying for those pigs that nre just over 1601b carcase, it seems necessary to have some further definition about top weight baconer pigs for export, says the circular. The Marketing Department buys baconers for export only in the form of Wiltshire sides, and these have to be within the weight range of 451b to 701b. This advice was sent to all pig-meat exporters and is the basis of purchase for baconer pigs. The average deduction from carcase to Wiltshire sides is about 12% per cent., and on this basis the top weight carcase that yields 701b sides is 1601b. Accordingly, it was stated for the information of producers that baconer pigs for export should be sent forward for killing between the weights of 1111b and 1601b carcases . , Overweights Accepted So as not to penalise unduly the few good pigs that are just over 1601b and .from which 701b Wiltslxires can be cut, certain operators have been accepting baconers up to 1661b and paying full prices up to this weight when the pigs are suitable for export as Wiltshires, or making certain deductions for unsuitable- pigs. The Primary Industries Controller views this procedure as a reasonable way of meeting the occasional difficulties of overweight pigs, but rcr commends, to producers that they endeavour to market their pigs within the range stated—llllb to 1601b. Farmers can overcome any difficulties that may arise about overweight pigs more easily than anyone else can, bj r keeping their pigs below top weights.