“Best Prospects For Pig Farming In S.I.”

Press, Volume C, Issue 29511, 12 May 1961, Page 16

“Best Prospects For Pig Farming In S.I.”

The South Island offered the best prospects for pig fanning in New Zealand, said Mr R. A. Oliver, a member of the National Pig Council in Christchurch on Wednesday. Mr Oliver, who comes from New Plymouth, addressed the annual meeting of the Canterbury District Pig Committee.

“The 2d to 3d a pound more paid for pigs here makes pig farming more economic,” he said.

Pig production in the South Island had increased from 82.000 to 108.000 between 1956 and 1960, Mr Oliver said. This represented an increase from 11 per cent, to 13 per cent of the total produced in New Zealand. The compulsory grading for baconers introduced in 1959 was a good thing for the industry, he said. Farmers everywhere were looking for ways to increase production end to breed pigs more acceptable to the trade. Highest Production

The year 1958 had seen the highest pig production in New Zealand for 10 years. But there had been a two per cent decrease last year and this downward trend was continuing this year. However, consumption had increased 40 per cent, in 1958; and although the upward trend in consumption was continuing there was a half a pound a head of population decrease in bacon and ham consumption.

"This may indicate buyer resistance to the higher price of bacon and ham,” Mr Oliver said. There was a need for more co-operation from butchers in publicising pork. Mr Oliver said. In the last year there had been little cooperation. Local butchers told the council they were not prepared to co-operate in publicising pork because the margin of profit allowed did not make it profitable for them to sell it,” he said. “Producers have nothing to fear if at any time they produce more pigs than New Zealand can use. There are plenty of potential overseas markets,” he said. “In 1959 New Zealand ex. ported 2524 tons of pork and bacon, of which 1090 tons went to Britain. About 300 tons were sent to Australia, Belgium. Hong Kong. Malaya, and the West Indies.”