TIE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1917, Page 2

TIE DAIRY INDUSTRY.

An interesting Burvey of the dairy industry bb it stands to-day was made in the annual report oi the National Dairy Acsooiution of-New Zealand. Dealing with the future of the industry it says—- “ No doubt many to-day eng&yod in the'indus ; ry hive coniidbred and are S ill considering what effect the present war will have on dabyiog when we return to poafc-war conditions. Will the demand for dairy produce ,be as great then as now? Wili the range of values be as high as theisa ruling ? Will dairying be as payable and prosperous an occupation as in the paßt ? Probably the main factor in determining the possibilities of the fat are, lies in the fact that prior to the war Continental herds were unable to supply the growing demand for beef as a staple article of food. The result of the war is that the herds of the Central Powers, Balkan Slates, and Russia have been depleted. It will take some years to restore the balance lost and restock farms; and tbo«e Continental countries whioh have been our competitors iil_ the United Kingdom in tho dairy produce trade will ha handioapped. There will, after the war, be a stronger demand for beef and dairy produce as articles of food and the demabd fer tbe former will hinder the rapid development of dairy herds. With snch a favourable on'loqk, if the war ends as we believe it will, then with confidence tbe dairy farmer can improve nnd inorease his herd,

feeling assured that dairy produce foi some years to come will find a profitable market at prices, not perhaps ae high as they are tu-day, but on a basis chat will amply reward bis industry and toil,”