THE DAIRY YEAR

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 138, 11 June 1918, Page 8

THE DAIRY YEAR

WEALTH FROM MILK

EXPORTS VALUED AT NEARLY

SEVEN MILLIONS

The 24th annual report of the National Dairy Association shows that the exports of dairy produce for the year ended 31st March were worth nearly £7,000,000, made up as follow: £ Butter 2,507,546 Cheese 4,461,957 £6,969,503 During the past year, from Ist May, 1917, to 30th April, 1918, 42 steamers were loaded with dairy produce as compared with 53 for the corresponding period of last year. It is well to note that a record shipment of butter for one steamer was made in the s.s. on the 11th April, 1918, of 113,509 boxes. This is certainly a record for the Dominion, and probably the heaviest shipment made in any steamer in the past. The s.s. , on the 23rd March, 1918, shipped a large consignment of cheese—viz., 46,406 cases.

The heavy " hold-over " of butter and cheese at the end of last season was a cause of grave anxiety, not only from the point of view of the want of transport accommodation but from the need of additional cool storage for cheese. In regard to butter the position was not relieved till the end of October, 1917; on the other hand, cheese which had been purchased by the Imperial Government lip to 31st July, 1917, was not shipped finally until November.

During the year one new butter factory was registered and 21 new cheese factories.

In referring to the conditions of the past season it has to be borne in mind that many keen observers of climatic conditions affirm "that the spring and summer of 1917-18 is the best the Dominion has ever experienced." If abundance of feed for stock, absence of any serious drought, and generally a plentiful supply of rain in most districts constitute the "best season," then the assertion is perhaps correct. In considering a question of this character the price of stock and the selling values of commodities does not influence, or should not influence, our judgment as to a definite decision. Speaking from a dairying standpoint, the season has been more conducive to quantity than quality. The season began fairly early, the dairy herds were in good condition, and the prospects for an exceptionally long and profitable year were in evidence. Unfortunately, in some of the dairying districts during November and December little or no rain fell, with the result that heavy lands caked, and the grass did not respond. Then, from the beginning of 1918 rain has been constant and plentiful, consequently the latter part of the summer has been a perennial spring and winter pastures are assured. Pastures that remain throughout a season springlike in growth are frequently "washy" and wanting in "body," with the result that the fattening qualities aTe not of the best, and, while milk may be abundant, the fat content is reduced. In this respect the season has not been good, but in other directions, such as output, there has been a considerable increase.

Acknowledgment is made in the report of the assistance given by the Shipowners' Overseas Committee in the export of dairy produce under the abnormal difficult shipping conditions that prevail. SALE OP BUTTER AND CHEESE. Reviewing the negotiations for the sale of butter and cheese to the Imperial Government, tiie report states that in view of the sale of the Canadian cheese output to the Imperial Government at | 23 cents, or 11-£ d, per pound, the New Zealand producer is entitled to advance the price of next season's New Zealand cheese by |d, as compared with ths price paid for 1917-18. With respect to butter, although the Imperial Government made an undertaking to equally divide the profits received over and above 157s per cwt. with the New Zealand exporters, the report states:—"There is a great deal of doubt existing, when consideration is given to possible losses and charges, whether any profit; will bo available or not. This (1576) was far below the real market value, and the payment on this basis to butter suppliers will compare very unfavourably with that paid to cheese suppliers. The policy of the Imperial Government to control local prices of butter and fhe acceptance of the Commonwealth of 151s for Australian butter were factors in determining the figure at which New Zealand butter was secured. As to the future disposal of next season's output, it is impossible to forecast a value. If the local market prices are maintained, which manufacturers have agreed to do, then such are entitled to a considerable advance this year on the butter exported as compared with that received during 1917-18."

During 1917 the only exports to countries othor than the United Kingdom were 3749 boxes to Australia.

The working arrangement com© to "with Australian producers at the Sydney Conference was to the effect that a minimum of 175s per cwt was fixed as the selling price for the 1918-19 butter output. The largest butter exporting port in the Dominion was Auckland, with 505,964 boxes, and the largest cheese exporting port Wellington, with 167,384 crates. Total export for the Dominion were 577,790 crates of cheese and 819,707 boxes of butter.