DAIRYING EXPANSION.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 June 1921, Page 4

DAIRYING EXPANSION.

The interesting review of the growth and value of the dairy industry, given by Mr. A. Morton at- the conference of the North Auckland Dairy Association on Monday, emphasises the importance of dairying as being the premier asset of the Dominion. The exceptionally favorable prices of butter and cheese last season brought the total value of dairying products to twenty million* sterling, and of this Taranaki may be accredited with a large share; Mr. Morton is well justified in his faith as to the future of the industry, and its remarkable expansion in the Auckland district must have conferred much prosperity on the settlers there. Apart from the increase in the number of producers, there is gratifying evidence of marked .progress in the quality of dairy herds, with the result that a larger output of butter-fat is being secured. Increased production ie the great need of the day, hence the wisdom of the policy of culling the herds and aiming at larger yields, also of improving the herds generally. This is a matter which every dairyman should place in the forefront of his business, the next being the provision of ample feed, judiciously supplied, also proper shelter and scrupulous cleanliness. The industry to-day stands in a proud position, and it should be the aim and determination of dairy farmers not only to maintain that position, but to improve it by every possible means. The prospects as regards the Home market are promising, though a drop in price must be expected. The latter can be counter-balanced by increased production —not necessarily by means of more cows to be milked, but by obtaining more butter-fat. !h this connection such societies as the various Breeders’ Associations can be of much service, but on the farmers themselves largely depends the attainment of improved resuite. With the freight question satisfactorily solved, the labor problem overcome, and the easing of taxation, the dairy farmers may look forward to a long period of prosperity and an adequate reward for their capital and industry.