CHILLED BEEF FOR BRITAIN

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Volume 81, Issue 12, 7 October 1937, Page 12

CHILLED BEEF FOR BRITAIN

-Presa Asso.'iRtion >

Regularity of Supply Needed

MR. DUNCAN'S APPEAL

(By Telegraph-

WELLINGTON, Last Night. The New Zealand chilled beef export trade is an established fact and tha quantities shipped are increasing, It is of the utmost importance to havo regular supplies going forward throughout the year," said Mr. T. A. Duncan, chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers ' Board in an interview to-day. ' 'Under our seasonal conditions a greater quantity of our fat cattle are ready in March, April and May and sometimes extending into June. This results in a great deal of our chilled beef being landed in the United Kingdom during the hottest months during which fcime chilled beef does not sell so welL In addition it comes into competition with the main supplies from Australia. Having regard to the fact that only East vessels speeially equipped with chilling chambers are suitable for the carriage of chilled beef it will be appreciated that this creates difficultiesif shipments are not spread throughout the year. It is essential in the carriage of chilled beef that if it is to arrive in good order and condition it must not be too long in the carrying vessel. "As applying to months when very little chilled beef is available for shipment I feel sure more could be done on grazing proprties by judicious management so as to supply suitable cattle during these months, In many districts on suitable agricultural farms by means of hcy, ensilage and other suitable feed a coi- 'd^rable number of chillers could Le turned out during these lean months and show a profit to the growers. Many stations and farms in the North Island would benefit very considerably by grazing more cattle than they do at present and their sheep would be healthier. I feel sure all farmers who are interested in our chilled beef export trade will go into this question to see if it would be possible to help by arranging their farming so as to-fill up the present gaps" in the lean months of supply. This could best be done by wintering cattle better that are intended for slaughter in the following season. This would bring them out earlier. In conclusion, I would again like to stress the necessity of breeding from nothing but the best for this trade. This together with well-finished before slaughter and regular shipments in fast boats should further enhance the reputation of our chilled beef and n\aintain a more payable level of values for beef Attttle breeders in New Zealand."