More Pigmeats Production

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28701, 26 September 1958, Page 15 (Supplement)

More Pigmeats Production

By

R. T. DAVIS,

Chairman, N.Z. Pig Producers’ Council.

An indication of the future of pigmeats production in New Zealand and the factors which control it can be seen in the development of the industry over the last 25 years.

In 1933, with 87,000 sows estimated, gross production was 29,640 tons, which gradually rose to a peak of 52,600 tons in 1941 from 100,000 sows. At this time the switch of supply to dried milk products began to have a marked effect on the pig industry. During the next six years to 1947 the sow population fell steadily to the lowest on record of 67,900, with production down to 39,490 tons. From 1947 to 1955 the sow population climbed steadily to 89,000, but dropped again over the last two years to 83,400. Production from 1947 to 1957 remained fairly static at 38,000 to 40,000 tons annually. These figures show that up to the present time the production of pig meats has been limited to the amount of dairy by-products available for pig food and that we have not progressed to the extent we should have to be regarded as very efficient pig farmers. Pig keeping is not popular with

dairy farmers where the wholemilk tanker collection is available. Why should this be? I would say the reasons would come under the three following headings: availability and costs of labour, high maintenance on piggeries and the disease factor or fear of disease.

The dairy industry as a whole needs more guidance and direction from its own head, the Dairy Board, before embarking on a widespread change from one product or by-product to another. This has been recognised and much good work has been done by the leaders Of the industry in the last year or so to regulate the manufacture of our raw product into the best-selling product. How does this effect the future expansion of the industry? If the feed available from dairy byproducts is used to the maximum efficiency, which includes supplementation with meal and greencrop or grass, there is a potential production increase of many thousands of tons of pig meat. . Labour: With the economic outlook at the present time, labour for the primary industries may be more stable and more attractive to the working man. The security of having a steady job of 55 to 60 hours per week will probably outweigh the doubtful 40-hour town position. Maintenance costs: Over the last

10 years or more the emphasis has been on a more permanent type of pig housing with consequent lower maintenance costs and more attractive working conditions. Pig Diseases: With the advent of penicillin and sulpha drugs and a greater interest and coverage by veterinarians in the field over the last few years, pig producers have been given a new lease of life from the continual worry of serious losses from disease. The basic requirements for a steady increase of pigmeat production should be available over the next few years. We have a field team of 12 district pig supervisors who are very ably advocating the need for improved housing, management, and quality breeding stock. Steady Increase The market is here on our own doorstep. With the bulk of our present output being consumed locally, only 15 per cent, is available for export. We have a growing population with a growing appetite for pigmeats and an increasing realisation of their value, compared with other meats. The incentive of an economic return to the producer should indicate a steady expansion of pigmeat production during the next few years.