Deer farmers’ group

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33814, 10 April 1975, Page 12

Deer farmers’ group

An association of deer i farmers was formed at a [ meeting in Christchurch i y esterday. The naming of the organ- ' isation was left in the hands H of a steering committee. Mr P. H. Elworthy (South ‘ Canterbury). who was [ elected chairman, said many!’ farmers had suggested to • him that deer farmers 1 should get together to speak with one voice to Government agencies, and perhaps' work together in marketing. The meeting had been called al short notice, he said, because of the need for an organisation representing all deer fanners to make representations to the .Tinism of Agriculture on meat hygiene. The consensus of those present was that initially, at least, the association should ’ not take part in marketing, j MEMBERSHIP OPEN Membership will be open i to all interested in the \ objects of the association J t but the executive committee f will look into limitation of i voting rights to those with •’r certain number of animals. \ The meeting was shown slides of portable deer-kill- t in? facilities used in Swe- g den, and Mr Elworthy who i was elected to the steering a committee or executive, said J that it ’"ould work for the introduction of this concept c The portable killing fac- r Pities used with a re- f frigerated truck. t Mr Elworthy said that a f refHserated truck could he s modified for the purpose a

relatively cheaply, and Mr J. Acland (South Canterbury) said that a small trailer might be used in conjunction with such a truck. The joint use of such a facility would involve considerable co-operation among farmers, and there would be a problem with stags, which would be at the optimum stage for killing during a very short period, the meeting was told. Mr A. G. Green, a game veterinarian in the Ministry

of Agriculture, said that carcases opened in a game packing house had been found to be foul smelling around the bone. This was caused by incorrect handling at slaughter. The German regulations now being implemented laid down that when game was slaughtered it should be cooled to a deep bone temperature of 7 deg. It was important, he said, not to have a long temperature lag before cooling to this level, as 'this would be favourable for the growth of bacteria. Rather than slaughter 40 or 50 animals at a time, it might be preferable to kill small numbers late in the; afternoon, so that at night they could be in a hanging; position to cool, but wheretemperatures were too high for adequate cooling the carcases would need to be put! in a chiller. ■ [ Mr Green said it was hoped to have new regulations governing the processing of deer through Parliament before the end of June. Members of the executive are Messrs Elworthy, G.A. Ford (Rotorua), P. A. Brookes (Southland), B. Pinney (Northern Southland), and G. J. Williamson; (Christchurch).

Chairman.—Mr C. Hilgendorf was re-elected chairman' of the Meat Board at the statutory meeting of the board in Wellington. Mr, Begg was re-elected deputy! chairman.—(P.A.)