MILK FOR CHEESEMAKING

Shannon News, 18 June 1926, Page 4

MILK FOR CHEESEMAKING

WHICH BREED SUPPLIES THE BEST ?

A matter of great importance to all dairy farmers supplying cheese factories was brought before tlio Ayrshire Breeders’ meeting last evening when the Federation of Taranaki Cooperative Dairy Factories wrote, bringing to notice* an investigation proposed to be carried out by the Federation Dairy Scientist (Mr. P. O. Veale, 8.A., B.Sc.) to determine the relative value for cheese making of the milks of the various dairy breeds. The investigation is made possible by reason of the laboratory which has been set up by the Federation at Hawera. It is proposed to utilise facilities existing at Tokaora near Hawera where three first class herds of the Jerseys, Holsteins and Ayrshlres are to be found upon land of the same class. Each of the three breeders’ associations mentioned would have the right to appoint an official to watch the conduct of the investigation. In view- of the heavy expense of carrying out a thorough investigation, the Federation asked for the Breeders’ Assoication interested to assist financially.

“This opens up a big question," said the chairman (Mr. A. H. Hansen, of To Rehunga) “and if carried out properly should have a big effect on the heavy milk greeds.” He added that, farmers were only paid on a butter-fat basis but it had to be remembered that the other solids in milk were used for cheese making, and the percentage of those solids were not taken into account in the matter of payment. The proposal was worthy of great consideration and should have the backing of the Ayrshire breeders. Mr. F. Mills (Hawera) said he understood the cheese was .to be shipped Home and regraded in England before a report was submitted.. It was the market value of each sample that should tell in the end. He felt satisfied the Association had everything to gain and nothing to lose. The three herds from which the milk was to be taken for the test were almost neighbours so it would also be a test from the same class of country. Although the Jersey herd was not a pedigree one, if was composed of exceedingly high grade beasts and should give a result quite equal to a pedigree herd. Mr. C. M. Williams (Canterbury) thought the Association should vote as much as possible towards the cost of the experiment. ( The chairman mentioned that the Rod Poll breeders were anxious to join in the experiment. The Friesian Association as well was anxious that some other method of paying for milk used for cheese-making, than on a butter-fat basis should be evolved. The President and Mr. F. Mills were appointed to attend the meeting of breeders to be held on Friday to discuss the matter of a more equitable system of payment based on the solids in the milk, when the matter of the test will be further considered.