N.Z.’S MEAT TRADE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 447, 31 August 1928, Page 16

N.Z.’S MEAT TRADE

INDUSTRY THRIVING Press Association, WELLINGTON, To-day. Reviewing operations for the 192728 season at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board to-day, the chairman, Mr. D. Jones, said that up to July 31, 549,868 more lambs were killed for export than during the corresponding period of last year. The total number of lambs killed this year up to August 15 was 5,943,104, against 5,382,306 for last season. The total value of produce exported for the 12 months ended March 31 amounted to £54,015,455, of which £31,185,197 was contributed by the sheep and cattle industry. There had been a steady increase in the number of sheep held in the Dominion in recent years, the interim return of 27,001,236 constituting a record. There was also a further increase in the number of breeding ewes, which was reflected in a notable increase in lambs, the latest returns showing that the number tailed was 13,179,445. The increasing use of phosphates for top-dressing was also a most important factor in contributing to the marked increases. It was pleasing to note that apart from increased shipments of frozen beef, there were also increased values paid for cattle. There were good inquiries for frozen beef in New York and Montreal, and considerable quantities had been shipped to those parts. There was also good demand for meat for the Army and Navy, preference being given to Dominion beef. Army *nd Navy contracts were invaluable to the industry. He stressed the importance of keeping herds free from foot and mouth disease.