BACON INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 14, 17 January 1930, Page 3

BACON INDUSTRY

GRADING OF PIGS; BETTER METHOD SOUGHT^ (By Telegraph.) ... ! (Special to "The Evening Post.")' . PALMERSTON'■ If',/This Day. " In view of the necessity for the reeogni*tion of differential prices being paid t(* producers of quality pigs which cbnforni' to the requirements of the consuming mar* l*et, the Manawatn Oroua branch'-.bf-!ths Pig Breeders' Association wrote to"-the council of the parent body yesterday urging that the co-operative marketing scheme be extended so that a more equitable system1 of payment, may be evolved. It was recommended that the co-opera-tion of all bodies interested'be'sought. Mr. F. Discombo (Cambridge) reported that at the last meeting or the'Wai* kato Co-op. Marketing Federation the matter of grading pigs for expprt.was considered at length, members. agreeing that the present method of grading was erratic* It was finally decided that representation be made to the Meat Board and Department concerned for the appointment of certificated graders under- the Meat Board, who would grant the certificate. Two members were elected to' wait on. the Meat Board to discuss the matter. The same two members were instructed tol wait on the Minister to discourage the importation of further breeds of pigs into. New Zealand, the federation holding that the introduction of further- breeds would embarrass the export trade. A DOMINION CONFERENCE. The chairman (Mr. J. A. Russell) stated that what was wanted was a Dominion conference to discuss the matter. Mr. F. W. Cornwall (Taranaki): "Quite a good idea." The chairman pointed out that without an organisation to deal with the fat pig, no progress could be made with, pedigrees. Mr. Cornwall: "The same thing applies with sheep." Mr. W. P. Bickers. (Feilding) stated that the Dairy Farmers' Union /was waiting for.the conference. The great concern; was grading of pigs and • payment for grade. There was a shortage of pigs at the present time. There had not' been. the number of young pigs bred this.season. Mr. Bickers moved that a conference be called of all interested parties. Mr. Russell: "What is wanted is, com-1 pulsory grading and dne big co-operative .marketing scheme." The secretary pointed out that ther«, would be no use calling a conference unless the council had a definite scheme to place before delegates. The chairman stated in reply f<>' Mr. Chamberlain that it would be n6;jise calling a district conference, as Manfefatu buyers, for instance, went as far away aS Waikato for pigs. The movement would have to be national. Mr. F. J. Shepherd thought that if the grading scheme was established the rest would follow automatically. BUY ON THE HOOKS. " Mr. Bickers said the farmers would have no difficulty in disposing of their pigs on. grade to the present bacon, companies. It would pay the companies " far' better to buy on the hooks on grade father thau scour the country for' pigs. Mr. Anderson: "If you can compel the bacon companies not to' b"uy pigs except after 'grading at a. freezing works, you will have gone a. long way." My.' Cornwall: "At present they have to take any pig,. and the industry will not progress like that." ■. . Mr. N. P. Nielson: "There is no more important question, in the "industry." Mr. Anderson.suggested that the president and secretary take step's :■ to ascertain from the interested farmers'.organisations if they were willing. ,to...attend a conference to disciiss the best steps that can be taken to achieve- compulsory gracing of pig products. This was. agreed to. "■.'