CALL ON PRODUCERS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 July 1940, Page 7

CALL ON PRODUCERS

DAIRY FARMERS’ MEETING ADDRESSES BY BOARD MEMBERS YESTERDAY. SOME PROBLEMS OUTLINED. There was a large attendance of dairy farmers from all parts of the district at a meeting held in the Farmers' Rooms yesterday afternoon when Mr A. Linton (Carterton) and Mr C. A. Marchant (Stratford), members of the Dairy Board gave addresses on the steps required to be taken by farmers to increase production. "A programme has been set out by the Dairy Board covering the next twelve months," stated Mr Linton. An increase in the production of cheese amounting to 15.000 tons was required from the Dominion this coming season. Butter production, largely to be attributed to the favourable conditions last year, had increased considerably. In addition to requiring the record production to be maintained the Imperial Government wanted New Zealand to produce a further 15,000 tons of cheese. "This shows us the magnitude of the task ahead,” observed Mr Linton. "The change over from butter to cheese production cannot be accomplished without some dislocation of butter factories’ routine." continued Mr Linton. The transfer would be accomplished to the full manufacturing capacity of the cheese factories, whose managers were working on the problem. The difficulties faced in increasing bacon production by 10,000 tons were briefly stated by Mr Linton, who said that, though pig-farming was a natural adjunct to the dairy-farm producing for a butter factory, the changeover from butter to cheese need not necessarily diminish industry on the farms making the change. It had been proved that provided sufficient barley and root crops were grown to supplement it. whey was as useful for the fattening of pigs as skim milk. "In addition to all those increases, we must maintain butter production at last season's high level,” said Mr Linton. "There are many difficulties, but none are insuperable.” The growing of a quarter of an acre in root crops and grain to every 10 acres grazed was advocated by Mr Linton, who said that by this means the main feeding problem of the increased pig population would be overcome. The other method by which the bacon export position could be met was by the rationing of bacon on the New Zealand market. Mr Marchant also spoke on the lines of Mr Linton’s address and answered several questions.