QUALITY OF STOCK

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29278, 9 August 1960, Page 8

QUALITY OF STOCK

Contribution By New Zealand (New Zealand Press Association/ WELLINGTON, August 8. Since the beginning of the century, New Zealnd has done more to improve the world’s livestock than any other country but Britain itself, says the August issue of the “New Zealand Meat Producer.” New Zealand sheep, for instance, have had vast influence on the pastoral industiy of South America through the Corriedale and Romney Marsh exports sent there, and in earlifer times through the Lincolns and English Leicesters which were so important in the foundation of South American sheep farming. New Zealand-bred livestock have had to maintain the highest standards of quality and pro-fitability-to allow this country to compete successfully oh markets half the world away. Only those breeds of sheep and cattle which have passed the severe commercial test to which New Zealand livestock has always been subjected have survived in New Zealand. To this commercial usefulness of. New Zealand livestock, another recommendation, has recently been added. This country is the last major source of breeding stock completely free from the main 'stock diseases which nhw bar the door to ihiports into sb many countries. Considering its history, the supreme quality of New Zealand pedigree livestock is not altogether surprising, Says the jour-, nal. The country has an almost ideal olimate for all kinds of stock. The climate is warm enough to make housing during the winter unnecessary, but sharp l enough to allow nature a chance to cull the weaklings. The range of climate is wide enoughto ensure a big variety in New Zealand breeds

.“No Fancy Stock” flew Zealand. is so far from its markets that only stock of superior efficiency can compete successfully under the handicap of heavy freight charges. The New Zealand farmer, in any case, has never been able to afford to keep fancy, stock. Every animal on the place has had to pay its way. x The livestock .industry has never been in a better position to take full advantage of overseas interest. New Zealand’s principal sheep breeds are recognised everywhere for superiority of quality and performance. Tbe New Zealand dairy industry Is file’most efficient ,in the world The beef, studs now contain -so much blood from the great English, Scottish and American herds That even Britain has cqme b ere for beef cattle. The relatively new chiller beef export is fast earning; a" reputation as high as that of New Zealand lamb and 1 butter.. says. the journal. . ;