Beef trading by board supported

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33527, 7 May 1974, Page 16

Beef trading by board supported

The Meat Board request for an Order-in-Council allowing it to trade in beef was welcomed yesterday by Mr R. H. M. Johnston, of Oxford, the North Canterbury representative on the Meat and Wool Board electoral committee.

All farmers, but beef producers in particular, would welcome the board’s decision, said Mr Johnstone. “The recent drastic fall in beef-schedule prices has placed many producers in a difficult position, some incurring heavy financial losses,” said Mr Johnston. “Although the present schedule may reflect the expected market realisation, short term, there are indications- that in spite of the increase in beef supply and the uncertain international economic situation, the longterm prospects should be brighter. It is to be hoped that the Government will agree to the request, and thus enable the Meat Board to intervene after any further decline in the schedule.” The lamb “exercise” in 1971-72 had demonstrated the value of market intervention, said Mr Johnston. FARMERS’ CONFIDENCE “The board’s positive action in seeking these powers is in line with the industry’s policy of a combination of private enterprise and producer control, and it will assist in maintaining farmers' confidence in the beef industry.”

The board had taken this step because of a further decline in the beef schedule, and after a meeting with the electrical committee in March, and more recently a discussion with the meat and wool council of Federated Farmers, said Mr Johnston.