Farmers Again Set Butterfat Record

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31115, 19 July 1966, Page 8

Farmers Again Set Butterfat Record

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, July 18. Dairy fanners set a record for butterfat production in the 1965-66 season ended May 31. In its July bulletin, the Dairy Board reports that production was 3.8 per cent above the 1964-65 figure. Records have now been set in each of the last four seasons.

Total butterfat processed last season was 573,200,000 pounds, an increase of nearly 21 million pounds on the previous season. Southland farmers, handicapped by a severe winter and late snowfalls, recorded the only major drop in production—7 per cent. Hawke’s Bay showed a slight decrease and all other districts increased production. The Dairy Board notes that the production rise was more because of the increase in the national herd size than because of any higher butterfat output a cow. District officers report that this siJason's prospects are fair to good. Because of the recent British seamen'* strike the board

has had to adjust its shipments of refrigerated cargo. In reponse to a request from the shipping lines the board has cut its August export of 11,000 tons to 6000 tons. The shipping companies hope to be able to take the balance of 5000 tons with September shipments.