CAUSING CONCERN

Franklin Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 49, 9 May 1945, Page 2

CAUSING CONCERN

THE FUTURE OF THE PIG INDUSTRY BACON POSITION UNCERTAIN QUESTION OF QUALITY RAISED NEED FOR IMPROVEMENT The uncertainty of the future of the Pig Industry in New Zealand was mentioned by the president of the Auckland District Pig Council, Mr R. C. Clark, at the annual meeting recently. “The agreement with the United Kingdom for the purchase of pig meats expires in 194 G and already the future development and prospects of the industry arc causing some concern,’’ said Mr Clark. “Recently no pig meats have gone to the United Kingdom as it is all being absorbed by the allied armed forces in the Pacific. While this continues the solution of pig farming problems may be postponed, but ultimately the position must be faced and the negotiations next year are of definite importance to dairy and pig farmers. The position is complicated by the enormous development of bacon exports from Canada since 1939. Working under the forced draft of subsidies, ample supplies of grain, firm prices and an insatiable demand, Canada is now delivering approximately the same volume of bacon as the total average imports to the United Kingdom from all

sources from 1935 to 1939. Whatever readjustments may come with peace it is likely that Canada will endeavour, and will be in a strong position to retain a considerable portion of the bacon trade. Informed circles expect, too, that within two years Denmark will be substantially back into her former position as an exporter of considerable quantities of first grade bacon and international trade will demand that she receives a fair share of tlie market. *N«KW Quality of Our Bacon “It must also be realised,” Mr Clark continued, “that although the work of District Pig Councils' and grading have e(Tecled a considerable improvement in recent years the quality of New Zealand bacon is mainly second grade and prior to 1939 consistently brought from 3/- to 4/- below the Canadian product. There were several reasons for this. In the first place New Zealand bacon was almost always 100 fat and there is an insistent demand for lean meats of all descriptions. Again, there was a lack of evenness in consignments. Some carcases could compare with the best of other countries but they were too few to pull up Die line which varies greally in length and depth of fat. This same defect can still be seen at any of the local bacon carcase competitions. Distance and length of storage time also affected bacon quality as the fat tends to break down and burst. In addition. New Zealand bacon was too often badly butchered and prepared, backing and centring far below the standard of the continent and Canada. The first two difficulties are bound up with the New Zealand farmer’s preference for a dual purpose pig and though few will admit it there are too many breeds and varying degrees of cross breeding. Under these conditions it is neither possible In produce a lean baconer. nor an even line particularly under New Zealand feeding conditions.

“The preference for the dual purpose pig follows the farmer's desire to turn either lo the pork or bacon markets." Mr Clark said. “New Zealand pork lias an excellcnl reputation and a strong United Kingdom demand, il is cheaper lo produce and it is not to he wondered that New Zealand was I lie largest exporter of pork to the United Kingdom in pre-war days, approximately 500.000 carcases. II

would seem that in post-war days New Zealand must again turn to the fullest development of the pork trade llmugli it is doubtful if the volume of export trade can be increased lo any great extent beyond the pre-war demand.

In regard to bacon Ibere is of course always a demand in die I'niled Kingdom for a low grade product but il lias never been die New Zealand practice lo rest on die production of a second grade product.” Mr Clark proceeded. “The path lo be followed to improve our baron is fairly (dear and ipiile possible. Stiffer gi ading. a IfiOlh. baconer, a trifle slower maturity to develop leanness and tlm use of suitable cross bred sows mated with bacon breed, preferably Large While hoars. Increased attention lo prolificacy in die stock used is also necessary. Despite die rapid growlli in die production of Canadian bacon there is reason to believe dial when die present stimulus is removed il will drop back considerably. The increased production lias only been achieved at die expense of quality and there have been numerous complaints recently in the United Kingdom about dumps of fat masquerading as bacon’.”

Linked With Dairying Concluding. Mr Clark said: "Economically New Zealand pig production is in a good position, it is not a watertight compartment but is linked with dairying as an outlet for a by-pro-duct and il can only be regarded in dial lighl. Its development must follow and is limited by the progress or developments of the dairy industry. This, however, does not excuse proper concern for the problems of production. preparation and marketing.” Mr A. Best expressed the„ opinion ibat Ibe picture was not as black as the president would have them believe. While agreeing with the remarks about quality. Mr Best said that a policy of bolstering up an industry by means of subsidy as a permanent measure was economically and fundamentally unsound. Canada had boosted her prnduelion by subsidies, he thought as a war measure and he could no! see such a policy being continued. For that reason he did not believe Ihe same solid competition would come from Canada in post-war years. If was agreed that production of pork in New Zealand was more economical than bacon. The difficulties mentioned by the president about

quality and killing, could, doubtless, ho rectified. A premium for quality after the war would bring about a rapid improvement. Mr E. Tfuckle said Iho I in future producers must lake notice of the remarks about unevenness of carcase and strive lo produce the desired article. He agreed (lint there were 100 many breeds and to solve this difficulty (he number must he reduced to two or three. “There is no doubl about it, we will have lo watch quality and development in the post-war period.” concluded Mr Tluekle. The president was thanked for placing 1 lio matter before the Council.