Sheep “Corner Stone” Of N.Z. Economy

Press, Volume C, Issue 29516, 18 May 1961, Page 4

Sheep “Corner Stone” Of N.Z. Economy

Sheep farming remained the corner-stone of the country’s economy. Mr J. D Ormond, chairman of the Meat Producers’ Board, told the farmers' conference at Canterbury Agricultural College yesterday. He had been discussing suggestions of a significant swing to beef production and away from sheep.

World trade in lamb and mutton was primarily New Zealand’s concern, he said, and this business had lain almost exclusively with the United Kingdom. “When one considers these facts and figures it is easy to say ‘why produce this product; why not convert to beef, which every market may take? Why not cut back the sheep operation: make a drastic revision of policy, invest large capital (as it would need to be) in ehanging over to beef?’ "That thought has been very closely studied by the board. We certainly believe that beef production should be increased, but in the main this will be beef production as part of the sheep operation.

"Our beef and veal output has risen substantially. Beef and veal in the 1959-60 season comprised about 23 per cent, of our export meat, whereas not very long ago it was a negligible part. “R is the board's belief that wherever practicable sheepfarmers can well increase their beef cattle numbers. The sheep operation, which provides income from both meat and wool, remains the corner stone of the country's economy. Its two major product* give greater

balance to the producing industry than if it were substantially dependent on one. “In the words of Mr Wright, the president of the North Canterbury meat and woo! section of Federated Farmers, who discussed this point the other day—we would like to see more beef, not at the expense of lambs, but supplementary to them.”