N.Z.’S DAIRY YEAR

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 987, 2 June 1930, Page 13

N.Z.’S DAIRY YEAR

BIG PRODUCTION INCREASE BETTER FARMING METHODS Production of dairy produce during the season just closed was maintained on an exceptionally high plane, states the annual report of the National Dairy Association. The report will be presented to the annual meeting of the .•association, to be held in Hamilton on June 24. 25 and 26. For the nine months ended April 30, 'he report, t . re was an increase of 11.35 per cent, in butter-fat. as compared with an increase of 11.50 per cent, for the corresponding period of last year. The stimulus given to the industry by increased top-dressing nd herd-testing had been very definite and bad contributed very largely to the remarkable expansion in production. A factor contributing to the expanding production of dairying districts li.id been the improved management of pastures involved in the new system of rotational grazing. Through this system farmers who were prepared to do the extra work required had been enabled to increase their carrying capacity and consequently their production. Some remarkable figures had been established in the Auckland and Taranaki districts, and when the possibilities of this type of farming were further explored to meet the conditions prevailing in different districts a definite stimulus would be given to production. VALUE OF HERD-TESTING There had been a further expansion in herd-testing work during the season. The number of cows under test was 280,000, an increase of 30,000 over toe record established in the previous year. Farmers generally appreciated the fact that a high producing herd could not be built up without lierdtesting. The production of the average cow in the Dominion was approximately 2151 b butter-fat, a very satisfactory increase over the figure quoted some years ago of 1601 b.

Referring to prices, the report states that the course of the market had unquestionably been a profound disappointment to the industry, particularly during recent months. It was generally recognised that a decline in the fairly good prices ruling since the recov/ry of the London market from the slump in 1921-22 was inevitable. Owing to satisfactory rains at the right time Australia’s export increased. Europe had experienced a mild winter, while a readjustment of Germany’s tariffs had tended to throw more Danish butter on the English market. The result had been the recent effect upon the price of New Zealand products. The market had shown a dragging tendency downward over recent months until it reached the record low level of 120 s a cwt. It was difficult to anticipate any immediate recovery to high levels and it seemed that producers would have to be content to accept prices from 140 s to 150 s.

Compared with the butter supplier, the cheese producer had been in a relatively good position. As far as the past season was concerned the returns would be reasonable, more particularly in the case of those factories which sold forward.