CHANGE IN LAMB GRADE MOOTED

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30396, 21 March 1964, Page 8

CHANGE IN LAMB GRADE MOOTED

An increase, in . the weight range of the prime light-weight grade of New Zealand lamb was proposed by a deputation from the Southdown Sheep Society of New Zealand, which waited on the grades committee of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, says the society.

The deputation, comprising Messrs J. H. Bartlett, W. J. MacLeod, and the secretary, Mr I. S. McKenzie, asked that weight grade for prime 281 b and under be raised to 321 b and Under. . The deputation was accompanied by Mr R. A. Barton, senior lecturer in sheep husbandry, Massey College. ' • .

The deputation submitted that'the weight range they proposed would be the most realistic for both export and local trade. Farmers would draft more regularly Without being enticed by premiums to draft at very low weights. No lamb need be' left long enough to become over-fat. There would be more uniformity in carcase weight and quality and greater return from by-products. All prizewinners in the district export lamb competitions in recentyears had been between 301 b and 321 b.

By differentiating at' 321 b, regular' kills would be made until Christmas. The ewes could then be shorn and slaughtered at a lighter Weight, with less fat and the farmer could then buy hill country lambs to be finished off. This would give more 'and .better Down Jamb, ■ ewe mutton and white faced lamb

and assist the economics of hill country farming. The deputation also suggested that if the immediate acceptance Of amendment to the weight grade was not possible, then the board- could arrange for -trial shipments in three weight, grades to Smithfield or elsewhere for trade opinion. Mr McKenzie said that advice hgd been received from the Meat Producers’ Board that the proposals would be forwarded to the British representative of the board to ascertain the opinion of the trade. :