Better lamb deal for farmers?

Press, 29 August 1986, Page 16

Better lamb deal for farmers?

At least two meat processing companies have indicated that farmers will get a better deal this coming season, North Canterbury Federated Farmers have been told. Mr Kelvin Coe, of Irwell, said at a meeting of the federation’s provincial executive that it appeared two companies would break away from the national lamb schedule by offering alternatives such as contract growing of lambs. Any moves by meat companies to reduce the penalty for trimmer lambs would be welcomed by farmers, said Mr Coe. During the present season, the schedule severely penalised farmers who produced overfat and trimmer grade lambs, yet these same carcases fetched

much higher prices when they reached the domestic market.

The Press Association reports that early notice of premium payments to farmers for stock supplied during off-peak periods, may be a new move from meat companies this year. Already the Auckland farmers’ Freezing Cooperation has issued an advanced list of payments that will be made over and above normal schedule prices. Federated Farmers and the Meat Industry Association expect other companies to follow suit. The oversdhedule payments range from $6 to $2 for lambs and sheep supplied in October through to December this year and $3 to $4 for lambs coming in from July to September next year.