FARMING KNOWLEDGE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21188, 10 August 1940, Page 18 (Supplement)

FARMING KNOWLEDGE

USEFUL INFORMATION RETURNS FROM PIG PRODUCERS Recently forms were distributed to pig club members by the Waikato Pig Council in an endeavour to ascertain some information, on farming that might prove useful in the increased production drive. It is recognised that the information received does not represent a crosssection of the farming community, but rather information from farmers whose properties are above the average. However, the returns are extremely interesting. Following is a summary of members of pig clubs in all districts:—

1.7 per cent., acres to the cow; 20.6 per cent., calves reared; 10.6 per cent., cows to one sow; 95 per cent., breed their own pigs; 73.4 per cent., whose pig meat can be increased; 67.6 per cent., piggeries can be improved; 79.4 per cent., grow root crops; 64.7 per cent., are wintering more pigs; 100 per cent., use meals; 95.4 per cent., have pig clubs in their districts; 32.3 per cent., require farm labour. Supervisor’s Comments It could be seen from these figures, commented the Waikato pig supervisor, Mr C. P. Harington, at the last meeting of the Waikato Pig Council, that even on good farms where cow carrying capacity was high, much improvement in pig production would have to come from better accommodation and maangement.

Any scheme incorporating cheap finance with low principal repayments would give the required encouragement to build better accommodation for pigs. It was essential that housing should have first attention and it was hoped that finance through State departments and dairy companies would be forthcoming now before the spring farrowing season was over.