CHOSEN FARMERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 267, 10 November 1937, Page 3

CHOSEN FARMERS.

MILK SUPPLY COSTS.

BASIS FOR PRICE-FIXING. NEW AUCKLAND SYSTEM, To obtain accurate information as to the cost of production of milk for city supply in Auckland, the Auckland Metropolitan Milk Council has made a selection of about 100 dairy farmers in its district to whom account books are being issued for the keeping of a detailed record of all farm income and expenditure. It is proposed to commence the on December 1. The farms have been selected according to district, cite number of cows and the abil.tv of thj particular farmers to keep complete accounts. On the smallest farms the herds number 12, and in the • use of the largest producers over 100. Experience Last July. In deciding that a detailed system of accounts was necessary, the Milk Council was guided largely by its experience of four months ago. In July cost of production statements were issued to 128 dairy farmers to provide the council with information on which to revise the price of milk. It was found, however, that many of the farmers were unable to supply satisfactory returns because they had kept no records. Hence the council was faced with the need of devising a system under which it would have more complete information available when the price of milk again came up for review. The books issued have been provided free of cost by the Milk Council, which has also offered to give the producers continuous bookkeeping advice and assistance. The system has been -simplified to meet the special conditions of milk production for city supply, and the books are arranged for the recording of financial transactions over a period of from three to live years. Producers Co-operate. "We have acted in conjunction with the Whole Milk Producers' Association, which represents about 37 per cent of the total milk production for the city," said Mr. I. J. Goldstine, chairman of the Milk Council, this morning. "The Producers' Association has undertaken to give its members any assistance they desire, and the council has also offered its services." A statement that the system was the first of its kind !n the Dominion was made by Mr. W. C. Xeil, the council's technical adviser, who said, however, that an effort in the same direction was being made in Britain and Canada. Two Koyal Commissions in Britain had suggested that reliable information on costs of milk production should, be compiled.