CHILLED BEEF

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 50, 27 August 1937, Page 10

CHILLED BEEF

DOMINION'S EXPORTS

REMARKABLE GROWTH

ATTENTION TO QUALITY

Figures were quoted by the chairman, Mr. T. A. Duncan, at today's annual meeting of delegates constituting the electoral committee of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board to show the remarkable development which had taken place in the chilled beef exports from New Zealand since the inception of the trade. In the 1933-34 season, he stated, the exports were 19,576 quarters; in 1934-35, 64,514 quarters; and in 1935-36, 144,169 quarters. For the 1936-37 season it was estimated that the export figures would reach approximately 200,000 quarters. * « ♦ "It is very satisfactory to note mat our chilled beef trade continues to expand and is gaining popularity, on account of the eating qualities of the meat," stated Mr. Duncan. "There is still, however, considerable variation in the quality of beef and also in the condition of shipments on arrival, indicating that there is room for further improvement!'.-If the percentage of our cattle suitable for . breeding highquality chillers could be increased this would be reflected in1 the quality of our chilled beef. "We must recognise that our competitors are ever striving for better quality and improvement in their herds. It is essential that farmers should realise that beef from unfinished, flabby cattle does not make the ideal chilled product. Furthermore, this, class of beef does not stand up to the long transit, as is shown by the lack of colour and bloom when compared with- well-finished beef, which has a protective cqvering of fat. It is therefore imperative that all chiller cattle sent along to freezing - works should be thoroughly finished off. MARKETING OF PRODUCT. "Our-handicap in respect to the distance from the British market makes it exceedingly difficult to spread our landings throughout. each month, and this is a matter which has engaged the attentionoo r the board" for some time.. In developing an export trade in chilled beef it is essential that the product should, if possible, be continuously on the market. Under our seasonal conditions most of pur fat cattle . are ready for slaughter in March, April, and May, these being the peak monthry sometimes extending into June and July. This results in a great deal of , our chilled beef being landed in the/United Kingdom during the hottest months, and it also comes into competition with the main supplies from Australia. It may be possible to improve' this position in districts where- conditions are favourabje, in the direction of spreading our shipments more evenly throughout the year. If this could be done it would not only be beneficial to our trade but would, also ■be very helpful to the freezing works and shipping companies when treating and handling the meat. SPECIAL HANDLING. "It has to be remembered that the chilled beef trade involves special handling at the freezing works, specially-equipped wagons for transport to the- ships, and speciallydesigned chambers, on suitable vessels. These facilities have not yet become so extensive that they can instantly adapt themselves to an unlimited quantity of chiller cattle requiring to be handled in a short period, especially having regard /to the fact that only suitable vessels specially equipped with chilled chambers can load chilled beef. The question of adequate facilities to meet fully the requirements of this trade, having regard to future expansion,. has for some time been engaging the attention of the board, who are in close touch with the freezing companies, shipping companies, and the Railway Department."