MEAT INDUSTRY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 73, 16 May 1944, Page 5

MEAT INDUSTRY

GOOD CONDITIONS FOR STOCK

The fortnightly report by the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board on meat killings for export covers a period to 15th April which included the Easter holidays. The comparable period last year excluded Easter; consequently, the latest figures, showing a further decline, are not significant. Reports on the feed position are again good from every part of the Dominion, and it. is also evident that the works will maintain their activity longer than usual. Total killings to 15th April, with those of last season to 17th April in parentheses, are as follows:— Lambs 7,704,903 (9,144,885); wethers 377,158 (463,276); ewes 1,374,793 (1,473,093). Beef (quarters) 117,300 (306,489); boneless beef (freight carcases) 293004 (583,4.98);. and bobby veal 62,000 (75,382). "Pastures are in great condition with feed in plenty" reports the Board's Supervising Grader regarding the Auckland district. The report adds that winter conditions should be excellent, and stock should be in splendid condition next spring. Killings Shave been heavy at all works, and this is expected to continue. From West Coast and Taranak! areas the report indicates maintenance of ample feed* Freezing companies, it is stated, anticipate the present rate of killings to be maintained for at least a fortnight, after .which there will be a dragging tailend to the season. Though late in the year there is still a growth of feed in Poverty Bay and Hawlte's Bay. Stock are doing Avell. Pastures in the Wairarapa are reported to be very good, and those in the Manawatu very fair to good, the prospects for winter feed in both districts being satisfactory. In the South Island the Supervising Graders report good weather conditions in Canterbury; fine but fairly cold in Otago, and wintry in Southland. All the works in Otago and Southland have Jieen busy, and expect to continue similarly for several weeks.