BUTTER FOR USA

Hokitika Guardian, 1 October 1927, Page 4

BUTTER FOR USA

— PRODUCERS’ OPPORTUNITY. The trend ol events in the Luited States seems to indicate that imports into that country are likely to increase year by year. The “ Creamery Journal,” published in the State of lowa, tints sums up the position : —- ••It was not so very long ago £hat a cry was beard about the possibility of over-production of dairy products, while at one time it 'looked like there might he a calamity front too much dairy products. Tt

proved to he only a passing condition and not one that represented a trend within the industry itself. On the other hand the question is now arising as to where the future supply of butter is to come from to supply the needs of this country. According to federal statistics the cow population is on the decrease, and while this may lie compensated for by increased production per cow, the normal increase in population will more than use up whatever increase in production may result from the cause. More inroads are being made on the supply of milk furnishing the- creameries’ supply of butter-fat. The cities are constantly demanding more milk, the bakers, confectioners, and many other industries are increasing their use of milk, so that the supply available for butter is being diminished. The tariff is practically prohibitive under norma Ipriees. It would seem that whenever the tariff permitted the importation of butter more farmers would turn to milking,

yet it seems that the constant care required in dairy farming presents a harrier that even high prices will not surmount. It seems that there is a, very large percentage of farmers who would rather earn a smaller income with less labour, than they could earn by dairying. So it is not. a question of over-production, but of who is going to supply us with our butter in the future.”