MEAT PRODUCERS BOARD

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1926, Page 1

MEAT PRODUCERS BOARD

■ INCH BASING OUH PRIMARY PRODUCTION. DEVELOPMENT OF OUK PIG INDUSTRY. In reference to tlie embargo on Contiiiential shipments of fresh meat, tlie New Zealand .Meat Producers Hoard’s London manager lias advised the Hoard that tlie present feeling in London is, that this embargo may bo likely tti last for some time, and good prices are likely to rule for veal and frozen pork, particularly pork weighing 80 to 120 lbs. Prices of pork weighing 120 to 180 lbs may not show they same advance, as the price of bacon may he kept in check by the increased supplies of bacon that may come forward from Holland and Denmark. This is an opportunity of which the pig raisers of this Dominion should take advantage, and it is to he hoped that our export of pork next season will show a considerable increase. A comparison in cwts of the .Domiiu ion’s shipments of pork to Great Britain for the last five years, ended 30th September, is as follows: — 1922 12,453 cwts 1923 32,284 ywts 1924 6,047- cwts 1925 38,028 cwts 1920 (to 31st -May) ... 31,048 cwts It will be seen from these figures that we are increasing our export of pork, hut not to the same extent as we should with all the many advantages this Dominion possesses over other countries who export pork to Great Britain —particularly in respect of climate and other natural There is no branch of primary production in this Dominion which gives such scope for expansion as pig i nixing. There is an ever increasing demand for pork in Great Britain, as is evidenced by the fact that last year the value of bacon, hams, pork and lard imported into the United Kingdom from all sources amounted to £60,588,560. At present, we have only 440.115 pigs in this Dominion, and if we are tcTbuilil up an export trade we must, sent forward regular supplies, and this can only be accomplished by farmers raising more pigs. Of the numerous pure breeds of pigs, the large white most nearly approaches the ideal bacon pig. and in the opinion of the Board, from investigations which it lias made, it considers the large white the most suitable to cross with the stock already in this Dominion for our export trade. The large white does not. at present, hold that position of prominence in New Zen--1 land, to which its many valuable characteristics entitle it. It is said that it is doubtful whether any breed, except perhaps the middle white, can put more weight for a given quantity of food consumed than the large white. The large white pig is also noted for its constitution aud hardiness, and will prosper under the most trying, conditions. As grazers and foragers the pigs of this breed are good even when only a few weeks old. There has always been a considerable quantity of veal shipped to London from Holland in a fresh state. Tim immediate result of this embargo should be shown in the increased value of Britisli home-killed veal, and manufacturers who trade in fresh veal may not be able to pay the higher price asked, with the result- they may have to use a greater quantity of frozen, which should create an increased demand for veal from this Dominion.^