Pig Meat Supply

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31680, 16 May 1968, Page 7

Pig Meat Supply

The position of pig producers had deteriorated considerably in the last year, supply exceeding the demand, the pig advisory officer of the New Zealand Pig Producers’ Council (Mr J. Graham) said in his report presented at the annual meeting of the Canterbury District Pig Committee. The pork and bacon pig price had dropped just when many producers were holding large stocks of animals ready for killing, he said. Mr Graham said that the reduction in pig prices associated with increased costs were making all-meal feeding almost uneconomic. “It is at this level that I feel that many producers are being forced out of business, as meal manufacturers are no longer interested in assisting these projects. “In spite of the good care that many producers have bestowed upon their animals, this has been a year of depression. Many efficient farmers have found it very difficult to dispose of their pigs regardless of price. “The demand for breeding stock, both sows and boars, has declined considerably during the last few months. It is apparent that many good breeding sows are finding their way to the chopper pens,” Mr Graham said. The following officers were elected: chairman, Mr S. Mever; committee, Messrs R. L. Skilling, P. Mears. D. Hurford, H. Ashton. B. Millar, D. Pattullo.