Pig judge welcomes young breeders

Press, 9 November 1984, Page 21

Pig judge welcomes young breeders

At a time when pig entries at agricultural and pastoral shows were declining the interest shown by new, young breeders yesterday was welcomed by the pig judge, Mr A. A. Mann, of Oamaru.

Mr Mann said he was disappointed that the overall numbers of entries had been going down during the last few years, but said it seemed to be a trend all over New Zealand and he put it down to the cost of transport. In spite of this he said the standard of the top animals was exceptionally high, as he expected it would be at Christchurch, and believed that most of these pigs would do well at the Royal Show at Invercargill next month.

As a past exhibitor himself, Mr Mann said he was pleased to see so many new faces and young men interested in pig breeding and showing.

The top animals in the Large White and Landrace sections were of a very high standard. These were New Zealand’s largest breeds, but Mr Mann said he thought that some of the younger animals were tailing off. Their bone was becoming too light and more attention should be paid to their teating. He was pleased at the interest shown in the new coloured Duroc jerseys and was quite impressed with the breed. However, some of the animals had a teat problem and this would have to be watched very

closely. He also thought some of the pigs’ bone structure was too heavy. He was surprised at the high standard of animals exhibited in the Welsh section as there had been problems trying to keep this bloodline going. Mr Mann said he has been disappointed to see this breed, imported 10 years ago, slip back.

The Berkshires used to be New Zealand’s third most popular breed, but Mr Mann said it looked as if they would soon no longer be a breed at all. He was disappointed to see only four exhibited yesterday. However, he was pleased to see so many McMeekan Centre boars coming forward to be judged on their excellence.