THE DAIRYING YEAR.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1452, 29 May 1912, Page 6

THE DAIRYING YEAR.

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION REPORT. AN INTERESTING REVIEW. An interesting review of the past dairy season is given in tho eighteenth animal report of tlio National Dairy Association of New Zealand, Ltd., which is to be presented at the meeting of the association on June 25. Lessons of the Season. In the season now practically closed, sa.vs the report, there are some features anil lessons o£ exceptional interest that aro worthy of careful consideration by those interested in the industry:

The late spring, together with gold, rough weather retarded tho growth of grass, which was specially disastrous to dairy herds in many parts of the dairying districts. Naturally the climatic conditions materially affected the milk supply, wliicli was diminished in consequence, and up to December 30, 1911, our export to the London market showed a, considerable shrinkage. ThCftta! export to all countries up to April 30, 1912, has increased, but the development, does not show that expansion that could be reasonably expected. When an estimate is made of the combined losses of dairymen, arising from tho failure to make proper provision for feeding dairy stock in tho early spring and tlio natural decline in output consequent on deficient pastures and unseasonable conditions, the total amount becomes a serious matter not only to the individual but also to the State. Some Interesting Figures. Now, it is well to consider where we stand, and in viewing the position let it be an incentive to future effort. For the eight months ended December 31, 1911, the total exports of butter was 1756 tons lc--s, and cheeso was 953 tons more than the corresponding period of 1910. The shrinkage in the case of tho former is equal to 21 per cent., and an increase in the latter of lli per cent. Then for the twelve months ended April 30, 1912, compared with the same period of lflll, butter was 192 tons more, and cheese liad increased by 420S tons—an expansion of butter equal to H per cent., and cliesc of 20 per cent. Whilst the fino autumn of 1912 enabled the Dominion to overtake tho shortage in tlio early summer, and eventually cxceed the 1910-11 record, the growth of export butter is disappointing, and tho cheese _ development may bo regarded as satisfactory. Looking back a period of ten years it is possible to make 'ail interesting comparison. In 1902, New Zealand exported to the United Kingdom 8295 tons of butter, in 1911 the quantity had Tisen to 15,852 tons, an increase of '91 per cent. 11l 1902 clieese was exported to the extent of 2710 tons, in 1911 it had developed to 20,25(1 tons, equal to (M 8 per cent. There is no good reason why in the next few years the ■ progress of the period mentioned should not be exceeded.

As a result, of unfavourable conditions during tho 1911 summer throughout almost the whole of tho Northern Hemisphere, and especially in dairying countries, New Zealand, produce found a ready market, and at high values. Never perhaps in the history of the industry have prices risen to as high a level, and been maintained through our export season. When butter reached 1365. to 1375., and cheese 70s. to . 70s. 6d„ it is to bo regretted that tho Dominion was unable to increase supplies, and the makers unfortunate enough not to be able to take full advantage of the high prices ruling.

In connection with tho shortage of imports of dairy produce to tho United Kingdom from nil countries for tho last four years, the following table will serve to show a reason for high prices Inst season, indicating conclusively that the supply was not equal to the demand of an ever-increasing population, and of an expanding market:— Season. .Butter. Cheese. Tons. Tons. 1900 103,694 50,151 1910 99,683 55,692 1911 115,50!) 54,601 . 1912 103,212 50,018 This table covers tho period of twentysix weeks from October 1 each year, 'exactly tho time that New Zealand produco is arm-in!? in tho United Kingdom. Now, if allowance is made for a corresponding decrease in tho make of dairy produce in the United Kingdom we can well understand the phenomenal market of 1911-12. For tho last three years the exports of butter from the three principal countries in the Southern Hemisphere were.— 1909-30. 1910-11. 1911-12. Tons. Tons. Tons. Argentine 2,718 41G 160 Australia 29,252 ' 41,656 32,246 New Zealand .... 16,609 16,956 17,147 In comparing tho above figures, it is necessary to point out that the Argentine quantities are for years ending' 1010 and 1911. Tho 1912 figures only include tho months of January to March inclusive. In regard to Australia, the period included in each year i.s from July 1 to April 30, and in the caso of New Zealand from May 1 to April 30. Tho Argentine for tho present is not an important factor in the world's supply. Australia shows this year a decrease of 12,410 tons as compared with 1911, whilst New Zealand is practically stationary. Future Prospects of the Industry. It may not be out of place to make a brief reference to the future prospects of the industry. Industrial expansion in tho older settled countries of the world creating large and _ increasing centres of population is causing a growing demand for the use of milk. This is ■ probably tho greatest, change through which the industry is passing at the present. To meet this diversion of milk from tho manufacturer of butter and cheese and the increasing consumption of butter and cheese, tho only countries that can possibly increase tho exports of these commodities to meet the demand are Canada, Siberia, Australia, and New Zealand. Therefore, from a statistical and commercial standpoint it appears that tho demand will bo good and fair prices realised. It must not, however, be necessarily assumed that the record prices of 19li-12 will be maintained. The outlook may be regarded as promising to tho dairy farmer for some time to come. The utilising of the by-products of factories in the most profitable way has been and no doubt will be engaging the serious attention of those responsible_ for the business control of factories. Whey butter is being manufactured at somo cheese factories with satisfactory results from the commercial standpoint, and several others contemplate doing so. Casein is also being made in the Dominion, the article made being of high grade. Tho Minister for Agriculture realising tho difficulties of bringing this special manufacture to the highest standard, has sent to Europe a dairy expert to acquire an intimate knowledge of the latest methods of manufacture, and of the best-designed machinery to attain the desired end, and place the information obtained fit tho service of such factories that dccide to undertake the manufacture of casein. Membership and Finance, The membership now stands at 143. as against 137 for the preceding year. The increase of new members is greater than shown by these figures, as during tho last eighteen months some small factories have been amalgamated with larger ones, and in consequence have ceased membership with tho association.

The profit and locs account shows a credit balance of iCIHTG 9s. Gd.. a net profit for the year of JE362 9s. During the past year (lie poods sold denote a marked in'crc-ase. The indent orders for the season 1918-13 ore of a substantia! character. The orders for delivery accepted by the association are in the aggregate more than double those of the previous year. The executive have decided to recommend an important alteration to the Articles of A==oeintion. The Tondon office having demonstrated its useTiilr'fs, tlie executive decided to recommend that it siifiuld be incorporated with, and form part of I lie ordinary work of tho association. and that the cost thereof should not be borne bv a portion of its members only, but be met from the general revenue.' It is proposed to amend tho Articles of Association so that the annual revenue of (lie association from subscriptions shall be sufficient to maintain the London office as well a» the New Zealand offices. Resolutions to amend the ar<o n.« tn sivp pfact tn this propowJ will be submitted at the annual meeting.