PIG EXPORT

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 297, 14 September 1927, Page 7

PIG EXPORT

EFFECT OF RECENT SLUMP WORK OF CO-OPERATION Palmerston North, September 13. Matters of moment to dairy companies interested in the breeding and export of pigs are referred to in the annual report of the North Island Dairy Companies’ Pig 'Co-operation, which is to be submitted to the annual meeting of the co-operation later in the week. The report states that, while not being able to report the unqualified success achieved during the previous season, -the executive felt that the effect of keeping open an export channel was of great benefit, contributing largely to the satisfactory prices realised in New Zealand throughout the year. During the season the executive had handled 10,831 pigs, of which 3448 were sold locally, The Auckland district had handled, in addition, about an equal quantity to that handled bv the executive.

After a promising start, continued the report, the Home market slumped badly, just as the co-operatiop’s heavier shipments of porkers arrived, with the result that extra storage charges had to be, incurred to. effect sales, even at the prices secured. The unsatisfactory turn of the Home market was mainly caused by the high prices quoted early, attracting heavy shipments from all quarters, together with huge shipments of Argentine beef being pitched on to the London market. Unless New Zealand pigs were kept before the British buyers, thus becoming really established on the Home market, it could not be expected that there would be the same regular demand as was now being experienced for New Zealand lamb and' butter. It was most unfortunate that this season fanners who had the enterprise to ship had not reaped the reward warranted by their enterprise. As a result of the experience gained throughout the season, the executive arrived at the following conclusions;— (1) In view ot the surplus of pigs above requirements .now being produced in New Zealand, it is essential that export be maintained. (2) The porker is the class of pig New Zealand should aim to produce for export, but to secure the best price they must be landed in England from September to December. There is, however, a market for porkers up to April. (3) It is unwise to export porkers over 1001 b. in weight. (-1) It is. feasible to hold porkers in the fall of the, year in New Zealand, and ship to arrive m England for the opening of their best-selling season in September. The executive experimented by holding a parcel of about 1000 porkers” the first portion of which has just been sold in London at 9d. per pound. (5) b'or the porker trade, the Middle WhiteBerkshire cross is most successful. (6) Tigs weighing from 100 to 1251 b. are not wanted, either for export or locally. (7) Baconers should be of the long, lean type, not less than 1301 b., nor more than 1701 b. in weight/ (8) For the baconer trade, the Large White, or Tamworth, crossed with the Berkshire, is most successful. (9) Both for pork and bacon a white pig is always preferred. (10) Grading for length and condition, as well as for weight, is advisable with both porkers and baconers. In conclusion, the executive remarks in its report that the effect of the cooperation’s activities during tile past two seasons has been so beneficial to the local market that its continuance is now of vital importance. At the annual meeting on Thursday, Mr. 11. McMatiaway is to deliver an address on his investigations in Great Britain during the past season.