YOUNG FARMERS PIG CLUEB

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 171, 21 April 1939, Page 3

YOUNG FARMERS PIG CLUEB

AVONDERFUL. PERFORMANCE Something in the nature of a record in litter production has surely been established by the Devon Sow owned by the Opotiki Young Farmers’ Club Pig Club in that the progeny of this sow have at eight weeks old turned tlie scales at 50.1 pounds each on tlie average basis tlie heaviest pigletweighing 59 lbs. and the lightest 49 lbs. The sow in question which was purchased from the Opotiki Dairy Association quite recently, farrowed a litter of eleven and eventually reared nine of them. The club officials with the assistance of M!r. D. G. Beattie, farm manager for the daily company, weighed the piglets at 21 days from birth, the average weight of the nine being; 23.'3 lbs. This speaks highly for the- ability to produce piglets of a high and quick-maturing strain. Incidentally the sire of thei litter, Grinton Hector IlndL, selected for the dairy company by Mr. D. Beattie from the stud farm of Air. AATiitelock, Palmerston North, is from a litter of eight, averaging 42 lbs. at eight weeks. It is to be regretted that through unforeseen circumstances, this sow and her litter was not nominated under the official sow recording scheme conducted by the Department of Agriculture. It is the club’s intention to take full advantage of this scheme in the future.

No small amount of credit is due to the club’s custodian, Mr. Eric Thompson (Waioeka) for the care and attention given to the sow and litter and the club itself! is to be congratulated upon;having such an excellent andl entliusiastiodofficiai, '

Following tlie usual practice of pig club activities in. the disposal of the progeiiy of club sows, a ballot among the club members' for the piglets is to be held on Allondav of next week.