Fat Stock Not Popular

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31081, 9 June 1966, Page 8

Fat Stock Not Popular

It seemed the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral Association would need to emphasise the educational side of the fat stock show, which could be a useful demonstration to farmers of what the butcher wanted—and he certainly did not want fat, a meeting of the association’s general committee was told yesterday.

A sub-committee reported on a meeting with Associated Meat Buyers and stock and Station agents at which was discussed the prices paid, particularly for cattle, at the national show sale last year.

A point strongly made by the butchers was that the butchery business was much more exacting than it had been in the past and was subject to competition from supermarkets and buying combines, as well as the rising trend of general costs. Prices for prize-winning show cattle were low because in most cases they carried too much fat. It was suggested that this could be overcome if judges were instructed to give awards only to animals suitable for present-day local trade requirements. The butchers had insisted that “shop bullock” today meant something very different from it did only a few years ago, the report said. • Selecting Animals

The butchers had also suggested that exhibitors who might have kept a team of 10 from which to select three show animals were in many cases sending forward the whole 10 for the show sale, thus overloading the market. A suggestion that a weight condition be adopted was discussed; but no firm conclusion was reached, except that

the maximum for the Butchers’ Cup pen should be 7401 b.

A one-day show and sale was suggested and seemed to have some support. This would mean the appointment of more judges to do the work to leave time for the sale.

It was agreed to sell the Associated Meat Buyers' Cup pen of lambs at the head of the lamb section. This pen last year was not given a show prize and was sold very late. The A.M.B. offered to circularise Its members encouraging them to concentrate on show stock. The AJM.B. buyers would, nevertheless, follow the sale and bid for any cattle required for buying orders. The A.M.B. also undertook to try to stimulate more interest in the sale.