THE DAIRYING YEAR

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 June 1912, Page 6

THE DAIRYING YEAR

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION REPORT. - AN INTERESTING REVIEW, ' | An interesting review of the past dairy season is given in the eighteenth annual report of the National Dairy Association of New Zealand, Ltd., which is to be presented at the meeting of the Association to-morrow (Tuesday), LESSONS OF THE SEASON.

In the season now practically closed, says the report, there are some features and lessons of exceptional interest that are worthy of careful consideration by <those interested in the industry: The late spring, together with cold, rougih weather, retarded the growth of grass, which was specially disastrous to dairy herds in many parts of tiie dairying districts. Naturally, the climatic conditions materially affected the milk supply, which was diminished in consequence, and up to December 30, 1011, our export to the London market. The total export to all countries up to April 30, 1!) 12, lias increased, but the development does not show that expansion that could be reasonably expected. When an estimate is made of the combined losses of dairymen, arising from the failure to make proper provision for feeding dairy stock in the early spring and the natural decline in output consequent on deficient pastures and unseasonable conditions, the total amount beI comes a serious matter not only to the j individual but also to the State. SOME INTERESTING FIGURES.

Now, it is well to consider where we stand, and in viewing the position let it be an incentive to future effort. For the eight months ended December 31, I- 1011, the total export of butter was 1756 tons less, and cheese was 953 'tons more than the corresponding period of 1910. The shrinkage in the case of the former is equal to 21 per cent., and an increase in the latter of 11% per cent. Then for the twelve months ended April 30, 1912, compared with the same period of 1911, butter was 192 tons more, and cheese had increased by 4208 tons — an expansion of butter equal to 1% per cent., and cheese of 20 per cent. Whilst the fine autumn of 1912 enabled the Dominion to overtake the shortage in the early summer, and eventually exceed the 1910-11 record, the growtli of export butter is disappointing, and the cheese development may be regarded as satisfactory. Looking back a period of ten years it is possible to make an -interesting comparison. In 1902, New Zealand' exported to the United Kingdom 8295 tons of butter, in 1911 the quantity had risen to 15,852 tons, an increase of 91

I per cent. In 1902 cheese was exported [ to the extent of 2710 tons; in 1911 it [ had developed to 20,256 tons, equal to 648 per cent. There is no good reason why in the next few years the progress of the period mentioned should not be exceeded. As a result of unfavorable conditions during the 1911 summer throughout almost the whole of the Northern Hemisphere, and especially in dairying countries, New Zealand produce found a ready market and at high values. Never perhaps in the history of the industry have prices risen to as high a level, and been maintained throughout the export season. When butter reached 136s to 137s and cheese 76s to 76s 6d, it is to be regretted that the Dominion was unable to increase supplies, and the makers unfortunate enough not to be able to take full advantage of the high prices ruling. In connection with the shortage of imports of dairy produce to the United Kingdom from all countries for the last four years, the following table will serve to show a reason for high prices last season, indicaing conclusively that the supply was not equal to the demand of an ever-increasing population, and of an expanding market:— Season Butter. Cheese. Tons. Tons. 1909 103,694 50,154 1910 99,683 55,692 1911 115,509 54,604 1912 103,212 50,648 This table covers the period of twentysix weeks from October 1 each year, exactly the time that New Zealand produce is arriving in the United Kingdom, INow, if allowance is made for a corre-

sponding decrease in the make of dairy produce in the United Kingdom we can well understand the phenomenal market of 1911-12. For the last three years the exports of butter from the three principal countries in the Southern Hemisphere were:—• 1909-10. 1910-11. 1911-12 Tons. Tons. Ton.s, Argentine 2,710 410 160 Australia 29,252 44,056 32,248 New Zealand ... 10,009 10,950 17,147 In comparing the above ligures, it is necessary to point out that the Argentine quantities are for years ending 1910 and 1911. The 1912 figures only include the months of January to March, inclusive. In regard to Australia, the period included in each year is from July 1 to April 30, and in the case of New Zealand from May to April 30. The Argentine for the present is not an important factor in the world's supply. Australia shows this year a decrease of 12,410 tons, as compared with 1911, whilst New Zealand is practically stationary. FUTURE PROSPECTS OF THE INDUSTRY. It may not be out of place to make a brief reference to the future prospects of the industry. Industrial expansion in the older settled countries of the world creating large and increasing centres of population is causing a growing demand for the use of milk . This is probably the greatest change through which the industry is passing at the present. To meet this diversion of milk from the manufacture of butter and cheese and the increasing consumption of butter and cheese, the only countries that can possibly increase the exports of these commodities to meet the demand are Canada, Siberia, Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, from a statistical and commercial standpoint it appears that the demand will be good and fair prices realised. It must not, however. be necessarily assumed that the record prices of 1911-12 will be maintained. The outlook may be regarded as promising to the dairy farmer for some time to come.

The utilising of the by-products of factories in the moat profitable way has been, and no doubt will be, engaging the serious attention of those responsible for the business control of factories. Whey butter is being manufactured at some cheese factories with satisfactory results from the commercial standpoint, and several others contemplate doing so. Casein is also being made in the Dominion, the article made being of high grade. The Minister for Agriculture, realising the difficulties of bringing this special manufacture to the highest standard, lias sent to Europe a dairy expert to acquire an intimate knowledge of the latest methods of manufacture, and of the bestdesigned machinery to attain the desired end, and place the information obtained at the service of such factories as decide to undertake the manufacture of casein.