EXPORT MEAT

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 54, 7 March 1944, Page 6

EXPORT MEAT

THIS SEASON'S KILLINGS

The report on killings at export freezing works lor the current season up till 12th February, issued by the New Zealand Meat Producers Board, shows that lamb and mutton production has declined, compared with the similar period of last season, to the extent of 781,020 carcases. Lamb production is down by 588,213 carcases, ewe mutton 192,324, and wether mutton by 50,483 carcases. Official (igures published a fortnight ago indicated that as the season progressed the position was improving, but this has not. been maintained.. It is however, possible that increased feed supplies have lessened the rush of stock to the works in some districts. Details of lamb and mutton killings to 12th February with the figures i'or the corresponding period of last season in parentheses, are as follows: — Nortfh Island Lamb 3,438,498 (3,686,706) Wether 111,902 ( 163,895) Ewe 371,941 ( 553,593) South Island Lamb 1,603,221 (1,893,226) Wether 4,430 ( 2,920) Ewe 34,588 ( 45,255 i) The killings of beef totalled 24,254 quarters (107,186); boneless beef 116/607 (338,448); and bobby veal 59,738 (72,761) freight carcases. Reports on feed prospects received from the Board's Supervising Graders last, week show that in Auckland, district leed is coming away well, but more rain is needed to make the winter supply adequate. In the Marton and Wanganui districts, pastures are drying up. Feed is reported, to be fairly plentiful on the flat country in Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay, but farmers in Fcilding and Manawatu districts arc concerned over the coming autumn unless more rain soon falls. The position, however, was better on the Woodville side. From Canterbury the reports indicate a great, improvement following warm rains, and the weather was also reported lo be more favourable to growth in Otago and Southland.