BEEF EXPORTS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 29 December 1938, Page 3

BEEF EXPORTS

CONFIDENCE IN SOUTH AFRICA. BREEDER’S HOPEFUL VIEW. Confidence in the Union’s ability to build up -a substantial export trade in beef was expressed by several exhibitors at the Rand Spring Show. "So far as the powers that be overseas are concerned, we can get into the market to any extent we like, with the one proviso that we do not send any old cattle,” said Dr. H. J. Orford, of Klerksdorp, a' prominent breeder. “The moment we adopt the policy of exporting a younger ox than in the past we have an assured market. I regard the action taken at this show, particularly through the initiative of Mr Torrance, the secretary, in confining the entries to four years of age and under, as the biggest stride yet made in the country. "When we take the next step—which I hope will be in the coming year—of totally excluding from export or from shows with a high reputation like this one anything in excess of three pair of permanent incisors, then and then only can South Africa take its place with other exporting countries.

ARGENTINE PRACTICE. "The average age of steers exported from the Argentine is well under two and a half years. With us the age is up to four years, and unfortunately even that has not been strictly adhered to. Animals of five years of age and over have been included in our export consignments, which prejudices our position on the Smithfield market. There they are utterly intolerant of old beef, and anything above three years of age is classed as old beef. “We can produce the right type of beef and we can export it if we are careful not to send old beef.

In regard to assisting production. Dr. Orford pointed out that the Government’s bull subsidy scheme had had a great influence in enabling the poorer farmer to obtain the right type of bull and build up a good herd.