Why Pig Farmers Smile

Horowhenua Chronicle, 23 April 1910, Page 4

Why Pig Farmers Smile

CONTINUED SCARCITY OF HACON IN ENGLAND. The shortage of bacon continues, •says the London "Grocer," and there seems little prospect of the position being relieved for some time to come. Imports of bacon into the United Kingdom during 1909 amount ;d to 4,(520,-1(33 cwts, in contrast v.'ith o,()8o 742ewts in 1908 and 5,.'!',!5,(i05 nwt.s in 1907. The principal countries of production sent smaller quantities, but the greatest deficiency was from the United States, which shipped only 2,189,312 cwts in 1909, against 2,599,817 cwts in 1907. The position in the United States is very unsatisfactory, there being a heavy shortage of hogs compared with a year ago, and there is 110 immediate prospect of a return to normal conditions. Prices this week have been irregular, and lower in the United States through the anti-meat agitation, not from ail increase of supply. At the present time the demand for bacon is about at its lowest ebb, consumption having been curtailed through tho operation of high prices which are about l()s per cwt dearer than those ruling in the corresponding period of last year. As matters now stand the outlook is most unsatisfactory from tlio point of view of both buyers and sellers, as there is next to 110 money to be made iu the business. The producer, on the other hand, should be having a very good time, nevertheless supplies do not inerenes as might be expected, as a period of scarcity cannot easily be converted into one of ample supply, and until the production of the raw material has lieceived considerable stimulus it is hopeless to anticipate a return to lower prices, much as this course would bo welcomed by buyers and sellers alike. So long as the existing shortage holds it becomes essential for retailers to keep up their selling prices in accordance with wholesale quotations, as the time when values can be reduced with any advantage is not yet in sight. Throughout the present winter prices have been on a summer basis, which is an unusual circumstance, showing the stringency of prevailing conditions.