DAIRY PRODUCTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 June 1940, Page 9

DAIRY PRODUCTION

CONTINUANCE OF DECLINE. FACTORS AFFECTING POSITION. “Butter gradings for the 1938-39 season disclosed a continuance of the decline in production which was in evidence the previous year, the total tonnage being 122,570 tons, in comparison With 142,835 tons for 1937-1938—a decrease of 14.18 per cent, states the annual report for the year ending April 30, 1940, of the National Dairy Conference. Cheese production also continued to decline, although not to the same extent as butter, the comparative figures being 81,577 tons for 1938-39. and 85.470 tons for 1937-38—a decrease of 4.63 per cent. Converted into butterfat equivalent gradings showed a ctecrease of 10.63 per cdnt. ■J "Those engaged in the dairy industry in the North Island," the report proceeds, “require no reminder of the very serious shortage of feed which resulted from the dry weather experienced in the dairy districts during the closing months of the 1938-39 season, which resulted in a serious reduction in the output at that time. As a consequence, the amount of winter feed saved was very considerably reduced, and these small stocks had to be used in the autumn months, and many dairymen found themselves without sufficient reserves to carry stock over

the winter. As a result there was a heavy mortality among dairy cows in the North Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Poverty Bay districts, and to a lesser extent in other areas also.

In some areas the prolific growth of clover in the spring also accounted for a considerable number of deaths of dairy cows, up to 10 per cent of the herd being lost in certain cases. As- a consequence of these losses the production was affected over the whole season.

"Another factor contributing to the loss of butterfat production, and one of vital importance to the industry, was the further drop of 1470 in the number of suppliers, in comparison with the previous year. This fall, following on a drop of 4327 the year before, furnishes further evidence that under present economic conditions dairy farming is not an attractive calling, and indicates that farmers generally are operating under financial conditions which do not leave them a reasonable reward for their capital and labour.