PIG INDUSTRY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 110, 5 November 1937, Page 16

PIG INDUSTRY

TYPE FOR EXPORT

PROGRESS OF WORK

In view of the fact that the pig industry is worth approximately £2,000,000 a year to New Zealand,,it was to be expected that great interest would be shown'in the pig section. The expansion of pig exports from New Zealand over the last ten years has been remarkable. The number of carcasses exported last year numbered approximately 750,000; ten years ago the number was only 250,000. The movement to improve the pig industry commenced about 1928. There was a lack of interest in it at that time, but a few enthusiasts banded together and endeavoured to create interest in what" they considered! could be developed into a major industry. How far their aim has been achieved was seen in the exhibits at the show. An impetus to the pig industry was given by Lord Bledisloe, and his continued comments on New Zealand did much to encourage the system of pig recording. The improvement apparent today in export baconers has been brought about by better farm management and pig husbandry. The open air method of keeping pigs was introduced and this bad the effect of securing the interest of the young generation. For several years the Home market has complained of the type of baconer exported, but those controlling the industry in New Zealand are now satisfled that the type decided for export has been evolved. That does not mean that all baconers exported are pf the

desired type, but the foundation lias been laid. Further, experts are of opinion that the desired 'type can be found in any breed—it is held that the problem is one of strain, rather than of breed. . Pig breeders will readily admit that the trouble to be overcome today is lack of uniformity and length. However, the work of evolving -a uniform type of baconer .for export and for local consumption is going steadily ahead. The qualities desirable in export" baconers are, of : course, also desirable in baconers for local consumption. .'..'... .■:•»• FARMERS HELP THEMSELVES. ' The great part the pig. • breeders themselves have played in Improving their industry without assistance is worthy of record. Until the present year, pig breeders had been responsible for the improvement and development of the industry by their own effort, but now that the organised system of ■ instruction has been taken over by the Government breeders are hopeful that progress will be more rapid. The farmer has levied himself to the extent of 2d per pig to find the capital to bring about the system of instruction. Though the has taken-over; the responsibility for the instruction, the matter is still in the hands of the farmers through representation from district councils to the National Pig Council, which handles all the money collected. Although ,the pig industry is estimated to be worth £2,000,000 to the Dominion today, the opinion is held that that value can be doubled, and that is one reason at least for the launching of the national scheme, for pig husbandry. ! ' The opinion that the export baconers exhibited at this year's Royal Show were a very excellent line was expressed by the judge (Mr. H. M. Pierson, extension officer in pig husbandry under the national scheme of pig instruction). The Whites were outstanding, said Mr. Pierspn, but in his. opinion a little too t well done. Mr. Pierson thought that better results in judging would be 'achieved if baconers were exhibited singly, and not two in a pen. The porker class was quite a good line, in which the breeds were well repre-* sehted.' ' ; FAT CATTLE. This year's fat cattle contained the high standard usually seen at Palmerston North,-and with the exception of the chilling class, the exhibition was outstanding. This 1 is the first occasion when there has been a chilling class at Palmerston North, though*" other centres have catered for cattle of this description. The late and somewhat cold spring, with a consequent lack of early growth has had its effect on the cattle, which, did not carry the "bloom" exhibitors and judges like to see on their stock at show time. iHowever, it is. expected - that the cattle will quickly get into their usual condition with the feed now coming on.