PIG FOODS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 January 1940, Page 7

PIG FOODS

USE OF FEED BARLEY. CHEAP GRAIN AVAILABLE. As has been advised by the Minister ol Agriculture, considerable thought has been given to the question of supplementing pig foods so that dairy farmers may bring their pigs up to baconer weights more promptly and in greater numbers than’ has been possible hitherto, reads a statement issued under the auspices of the Masterton Council of Primary Production.

Beginning with the New Year a progressive falling off in dairy by-pro-ducts for pig feed always takes place, and this is usually met by the sending of pigs away for slaughter irrespective of their weights. This year some discretion is necessary on the part of farmers to avoid the pork quota being supplied too soon. Farmers will be well advised, both from a cash return viewpoint and in the national interests to keep porkers as long as possible and bring them up to baconer weights. Therefore, it behoves the farming community to take advantage of the offer of cheap grains for the purpose of fattening their stock. The Internal Marketing Division has made arrangements for the importation of Australian barley in such quantities and at such prices as will enable farmers to purchase in 10-sack lots ex-wharf at 3s 4d per bushel —a reduction of 4d per bushel on last year's figure. There is. however, likely to be a little delay in the arrival of the new season’s barley. In Auckland the weather conditions necessitate early attention to supplementary feeds. Therefore, the Internal Marketing Division has agreed with the Department of Agriculture to release, from Auckland stores immediately for purchase in minimum 10-sack lots of quantity of barley at 3s 4d per bushel, sacks in. In this way farmers will be assured of continuity of supplies for some weeks. There is not a great deal of barley in stock in New Zealand at the present time, and while it is expected to be sufficient to carry over until the new season's arrivals, farmers generally are requested to place their orders early in 10-sack minimum quantities. Auckland merchants have accordingly been instructed to accept these orders on the basis of 3s 4d per bushel.

If Auckland district farmers take advantage of this unusual opportunity it will serve a dual purpose of protecting them for continuity of supplies of barley in the meantime, and' clearing the stores to make room for the shipments arriving later from Australia. The only additional charge which the farmer will have to bear over and above the 3s 4d per bushel, sacks in charge will be the cost of cartage to rail and rail charges to country stations. It is imperative, if farmers desire to take full opportunity of securing barley at this low price, that orders should be immediately placed with merchants.