FEED THOSE PIGS

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 52, Issue 3258, 3 May 1943, Page 5

FEED THOSE PIGS

SHORTAGE OF BACONERS COMPETITION ARRANGED CARRY THEM THROUGH WINTER V — As a result of the great demands made on the pig industry in New Zealand for supplies of ‘bacon for the Armed Forces in the South Pacific area, in addition to civilian needs, it is estimated, that there will be a shortage of approximately 100,000 pigs by the end of September next. In an endeavour to offset anything of this nature, farmers are being requested not to follow the usual autumn practice of sending small unfinished pigs to .the freezing works, but to winter them on economical rations of Tomoana Meat Meal and bring them on to baconer weights for the spring. . By doing this farmers will considerably assist ?he nation’s war effort and make good profit for themselves. This was proved by the researc workers at Ruakura Experimental Farm where it was shown that 110., meat meal per day gave a return for roots (after deducting the cost of the Tomoana Meal) of £5 os per ton as against only £2 6s 4d per ton for roots where only zl'b. meal was e daily. £230 in Prizes As a further incentive to farmers. Messrs W. and R. Fletcher (N. •), Ltd., have instituted a competitio open to any North Island farmer foi the best lines of four baconer pigs. Prizes total £235 and there is no entrance fee. This, competition is being supported by the Department of Agriculture and the . District Pig Councils. In each of the seven dis-

tricta an additional special P™e of £5 is offered for the team of lour Wooers adjudged most suitable for bacon for the United Nafaons’ Fighting Forces. _ , The United States Joint Purchasing Board has agreed to appoint a judge for these special prizes. The allocation of points in this competi- ' tion has been designed to he a stimulus towards quality, a most important aspect when the Dominion’s reputation as a producer of high grade baconers is considered. Profitable Work In a similar competition held in 1938 the average return for each of €3 entries of six pigs showed a net -profit of £l4 8s 6d above cost of pigs in autumn and cost of meal, so the wintering of pigs is not only helpful to the national cause but equally profitable. ' A leaflet containing full particulars, conditions and entry form, can be obtained on application to the District Pie Council -Supervisor, or W. and R. Fletcher (N.Z.), Ltd. —P.B.A.