PIG INDUSTRY

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20257, 28 July 1937, Page 13

PIG INDUSTRY

BIG EXPORT TRADE

QUALITY IMPRESSEB MARKETS. (Special to Times.) WELLINGTON. Wednesday. Fifteen years ago the Meat Board arranged for a low freight rate on pork In order to encourage the export trade. In 1928-24 season the exports totalled only 4943 carcases. Ten years later the figures were:—Porkers 361,430, and baeoners 103,181 carcases. This season to June 30, the totals were 425,783 porkers and 240,559 baeoners. Commenting on the trade the Producers’ Board, In Its annual report, says:— At the inception of the Board in 1922, when making its first contract with the shipping companies for the carriage of frozen meat, having regard to the possibilities for the development of an export trade In pork, the Board arranged for a specially low freight rate on pork so as to promote this trade.

The development In the export of pork whioh has taken place has undoubtedly been aided by this special reduction in shipping freight rates and by the assistance given to the Industry by the Board In a number of other directions.

For many years the Board has recognised the necessity for educating farmers as to correct methods of farming pigs, as Is shown by its practical support in donating substantial grants to the pig recording and research clubs. This financial assistance has enabled these clubs to carry out educational work regarding pig management and research work.

i It is pleasing to note that the Dei partment of Agriculture has now lntro- ! duced a national scheme for the deve- | lopment of the pig industry, which will !be available to all farmers In the | Dominion. A practical and qualified i instructional service should do much to improve the general type and quality of our pigs. New Zealand porker pigs are particularly well thought of on Smith field Market, in fact. In the opinion of the trade, there is no better quality coming to that market. It is pleasing to note the steady Increase in our shipments of baeoners | but there is still room for improvement in the quality, and the Board is of the opinion that the time is now opportune for the standard of the grading of baeoners to be revised. Special attention has been given during the year to the advertising of New Zealand pork in Great Britain and a fresh Issue of display material has been distributed to retailers.