AUSTRALIA'S INCREASED BUTTER PRODUCTION.

Shannon News, 23 January 1925, Page 1

AUSTRALIA'S INCREASED BUTTER PRODUCTION.

Figures supplied to tne Department of Trade and Customs indicate the likelihood of a record season for,production and export of butter. The Minister (Mr Pratten) stated that in the period June 30 to November 15, 1924, 654,638 boxes of butter had been examined by grading officials, as compared with 252,513 boxes in the same period of 1923. Actual shipments this year were 52.4,036 boxes which was 349,467 boxes over that shipped during the same period last year.

The quality generally this year had improved. The principal producing States show an increased percentage of "choicest" butter (the highest grade) this year, of from 2 per cent. to 28 per cent. Victoria was by far the largest producer for export, and showed the highest percentage of top. grade butter. Her production represented approximately 47 per cent, of the total, and of this enormous supply approximately *79 per cent, was "choicest" butter. Prospects for increased production in the northern States, however, were, extremely favourable, and it was anticipated. that supplies would be maintained for a considerable period.