PRODUCTION OF CHEESE

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21232, 1 October 1940, Page 4

PRODUCTION OF CHEESE

Only a continuation of reasonable climatic conditions seems to be necessary to ensure that the dairy industry’s objective in producing 15,000 tons more cheese than last year is achieved. In fact it is probable that the increase will be greater than that aimed at. The New Zealand Co-operative Dairy Company alone hopes to increase its output of cheese by something like 4000 tons, and similar conditions prevail in other great cheese-producing districts. This demonstrates how resilient the dairy industry is and how efficient is the free cooperative principle. Admittedly the spring season has so far been extraordinarily favourable to production. Even without the special organisation there would have been an increase in production, but so thoroughly has the industry set about its task that an outstanding success seems to be assured. Without these most favourable conditions the cheese output would have been expanded because of the planning by the industry, but the objective would have been achieved at greater sacrifice of butter production. There is reason for gratification that the farmers of New Zealand have risen to the occasion so splendidly and in an entirely voluntary spirit. Britain’s need is great because the war has cut off many of her previous sources of supply, and it may be desirable that the industry should next year build even further upon the foundations already laid. There need be no fear that Britain will not require all the cheese that New Zealand can produce. Shipping space will have to be provided, but after all an increase of 15,000 tons in the cheese exported means only one additional large cargo. The most economical possible use is being made of all shipping, but Britain still has access to a large amount of tonnage which can be pressed into service if necessary. There are still in United States waters a large number of ships which could be chartered if losses of British ships become serious. Cheese is playing a very important part in feeding the population of Britain and New Zealand farmers are making a worthwhile contribution.