PIG EXPORT MARKET

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 149, 19 March 1936, Page 2

PIG EXPORT MARKET

Reduced Output of Porkers

MORE BACONERS KILLED

The number of baconers killed for export this season in New Zealand Ims exceeded last year's output by 61.000, There has, however, been an almost corresponding decrease in the number of porkers exported, so that the total kill shows only a small increase over that of last season. Iteferrinjr to marketing conditions. Mr. YV. A. Phillips, chairman of directors of the New Zealand Co-operative Pig Marketing Association. Limited, states in an interview that with tlie exception of tlie last three weeks, during which export values of pork had fallen by nearly Id. per Hi., tlie pork market lias been unusually firm this year. Tlie fail in prices referred to lias been due to tlie forced disposal of stocks which had accumulated during tlie recent Smithfield strike, a disturb ance which had caused a general dislocation of trade. Another factor which had a bearing <>u the position was that English producers had diverted to tlie porker market unusually large quantities of pigs which had hitherto gone into bacon consumption. Both these factors were likely to be of a temporary nature and in consequence a recovery in trade conditions could be expected. There had been no notable changes iu tlie baeoner export season, and demand had been steady, with values on tlie same average level as that of last year. Present New Zealand prices were firm, and with I lie approach of colder weather and reduced milk supplies producers were advised to buy elioiip supplementary food, such as barley, which was at present available. Mr. Phillips said his company liad received satisfactory support during the seasou. the returns showing an improvement over those of last season Over 100,009 pigs had been handled an increase of 30.000. The company's ojverations had been extended to the Nelson and YVairarapa districts, giving it a coverage over tlie whole of the Dominion.