Cattle Weighing Study

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32050, 26 July 1969, Page 10

Cattle Weighing Study

The weighing of cattle put up for sale at auction is to be investigated by a committee of North Canterbury Federated Farmers. So far the committee has made some observations, but it is not in a position yet to make a recommendation. The chairman of the provincial meat and wool executive (Mr A. F. Wright) made points for and against the system at a meeting in Christchurch this week. Points in favour of the system were:— Farmers would know the specific weight of the beasts they were selling, and what they were receiving per 1001 b. I There could be more merit I in weighing stores—such as calves—than prime cattle, because in this case the farmers were the buyers. Points against the scheme | were: — There would be increased selling costs. If installed at a place like Addington, the farmer would pay, installation would be costly, extra staff | would be required, and ser- [ vicing charges would have to be met The weighing of prime cat- | tie did not determine the most important factor—yield. There would be variations in weight, because of the vari-

ation between time of feeding ' and sale. A system of weighing would require cattle to be yarded the night before sale. Supply and demand always governed prices at Addington. This was a very important factor. Mr Wright suggested that the committee should investigate reasons why weighing was popular in some North Island areas. Comments of other farmers were:— Mr W. N. Dunlop (Tai Tapu): “Last year I saw weighing of cattle at the Masterton yards, and it was most successful.” Mr R, M. Johnson (Mount

Torlesse): “I think the greatest problem is the gut content, It would mean cattle would have to be delivered the night before the sale, and weighed next morning. Mr E. W. Turrell (Kaituna): “I support the scheme.” Mr T. Abbott (Hororata): “Much of the advocacy for this scheme comes from those who have been overseas, where they have no way of knowing the dressed weights. In New Zealand we have schedule rates for those who wish to sell that way.” Mr J. E. Austin (View Hill): “I can't see the benefit to the fanner when the cost is analysed.”