INCREASED LAMB PRODUCTION

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28133, 23 November 1956, Page 7

INCREASED LAMB PRODUCTION

APPEAL TO FARMERS

“Export fat lamb competitions are a very valuable event for showing the difference between lambs in the yard, and the lambs hung up after killing. The Fairfield works has reached a stage in its development where increased killing can be carried out. and I hope farmers will increase their lamb production to take advantage ot the extra facilities provided,’’ said the chairman of directors of the Canterbury Frozen Meat Company (M*J Deans) when he spoke to exhibitors in the Mid-Canterbury competition in export lambs. The contest was held under the auspices of the Ashburton' Agricultural and Pastoral Association at the Fairfield freezing works yesterday.

The Fairfield works opened in 1899. and in its first season 167,000 lambs were handled, said Mr Deans. This figure had increased to 370,000 carcases by 1903, and reached 542.000 last season—a record.

The works now handled 5000 lambs a day, and with the extra facilities it was honed to increase this to 6000 a day next season, 7000 the season after, and eventually to handle 10.000 lambs a dav. Mr Deans said. To handle the district’s increased production a new store is being built at the works. It will have an area of 18.000 square feet, and will provide for 105.000 carcases. The store will have 80.000 square feet of cork insulation, and five miles of pipelines will be installed in the building With the completion of the new store the capacity of the freezing works would be increased to 370.000 running carcases, Mr Deans said. “The meat trade is a living trade, and reflects the changing thoughts of the people at the other end who buy our exports,” said Sir Walter Mulholland. who represented the chairman of the New Zealand Meat Board “If we do not continue to supply their requirements, the customers will not hesitate to turn elsewhere.” he said. “There was a time when our lambs were so far ahead of other countries in quality that we tended to feel complacent. but lambs from other countries are now rivalling ours,” said Sir Walter Mulholland. Other countries were realising the importance of quality and other countries’ lamb exports to the United Kingdom compared favourably with the New Zealand lamb in quality. The consistent grading and quality maintained by New Zealand in its exports of lamb were important factors in maintaining its present high position. So far no other country could maintain that consistently high level, and it was most important that this position should be kept. “We cannot afford to be content at our position today, but must continue to progress/’ Sir Walter MuJh° 11 and sai<X_