CHILLED BEEF

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 July 1939, Page 3

CHILLED BEEF

• ♦— ——• NECESSITY FOR IMPROVING QUALITY. ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING TRADE. Reference to the rapid development of the chilled beef industry is made in the annual report of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board. The report states that it is anticipated that the total shipments for this season will reach the figure of 280,000 quarters. The f.o.b. value of chilled beef exported from New Zealand according to the official statistics, for the 12 months ended March 31, 1939, was £708,069. "Now that our export of chilled beef has become such an important part of our meat trade, and also having regard to its further great potentialities, the board' would again stress to farmers the importance of continued efforts being made to still further improve the quality of the chillei’ cattle they are Breeding. Improved breeding, and well-finished cattle, together with more regular monthly supplies, will greatly assist in developing this trade along the right lines. ‘‘Thorough wintering of cattle intended for slaughter in the following season will enable them to be fattened earlier and spread more evenly over the season. The object should be to avoid the rush of chillers usually available during the peak months from the middle of March to the end of April. It is recognised that .there will always be more cattle available during the peak period, but it is almost impossible for the shipping companies to cope with an abnormal rush, as the chilling accommodation of the vessels which are equipped to carry chilled beef is limited. In addition, it should be remembered that the trade in Lon.don requires a steady flow of supplies, and pot' abnormal quantities in one short period. Furthermore, chilled beef always maintains a more regular price during the cooler months in England.”