MUTTON FOR EXPORT.

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume XXXVI, Issue 4870, 28 August 1925, Page 4

MUTTON FOR EXPORT.

LIGHT-WEIGHT IN FAVOUR ATTENTION TO BREEDING. The need for the farmers of the Dominion to specialise in breeding the type of sheep most suitable for the London market is emphasised in the third annual report of the Meat Producers’ Board, which was issued recently. The report states that a review of the prices ruling at Smithfield during the last few years showed a decided tendency to light-weight mutton.' In previous days the difference between light-weight and heavy-weight mutton was a matter of farthings ; to-day the difference is pence per lb, iso decided and emphatic is the preference for the light mutton of good Quality. There was always a demand for a limited amount of heavy-weight mut•ton on Smithfield, which was more than, fully supplied from other parts of the world. The quality of this heavy-weight mutton was -much inferior to New Zealand. However, the supply of light prime mutton from other countries was only limited. We must, therefore, concentrate on improving the breeding of bur flocks, and endeavour to meet the requirements of Smithfield by shipping the lighter-weighted mutton. The Down-cross lambs had now become fairly established in most districts of New Zealand, particularly in the North Island, and had made a reputation on Smithfield for their superior quality. It was pleasing to note that to-day in Great Britain the words “Prime Canterbury” had become not only a trade, term, out also household words as applied to meat of the highest quality. The reputation of our meat was one of New Zealand’s greatest assets, and every farmer must recognise the obligation that wats bn him to safeguard the reputation of our name on Smithfield, and to realise that he was a trustee for the future prosperity of New Zealand. To hold our own with the competition from other countries we must not only increase our output, but we must also continue to improve the quality of our product. To stimulate the production of fat lambs most suitable for New Zealand’s export trade, and the type most desired to keep up our reputation on the London market, the Board was offering substantial prizes each year at the Royal Agricultural Show for the bci-it pens of fat lambs shown in a special class ; ea'ch -pen to consist of three lambs, each individual lamb in the pen not to exceed 721 b live weight. After being judged alive on the showground the lambs were killed and shipped to Smithfield, there to be judged by three judges appointed by the British Incorporated Society of Meat Importers.