BUTTER AND CHEESE.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 December 1911, Page 7

BUTTER AND CHEESE.

PROSPECTS OF DAIRY FARMERS

NEW PLYMOUTH, Dec. 4,

Reports from the dairying districts of Taranaki and the West Coast generally show that the prospects of the dairy farmers for a good season have milch improved during the past few w.eks owing to the more favourable weather for pasture that has been experi mcecl. At the same time a considerable'number of dairy companies have not yet made up the shortage in tho exports for butter and cheese as compared with the figures of last j ear. It is yet somewhat doubtful whether the deficiency will be made up during the season. ..Of course much will depend on the weather conditions which may prevail from tin/present time to the end of March. However, the higher prices which have been paid for both butter and cheese thig year should, to a very great extent, make up for the decrease in output. I'he money paid per lb for cheese and Lutter this season constitute'; a record for New Zealand. If the good conditions continue favourable the farmers' returns should be higher than even before.

Advices which have reached New Zealand so far from the British market go to prove that both butter and cheese from this country are opiinug up in splendid order, and it is expected that some of tho complaints made lajst year will not recur. -The hist reports show that the dairy produce reaching the various Home ports is of very satisfactory quality, inferior quality being conspicuous by its absence. One factor which has favoured this improved condition of hatter and cheese is the cool weather which has been experienced in this country since the opening of the season. While it has had a detrimental effect upon the quantity the opposite has been the ease with reference to quality—the? farmers being able to de liver their milk and cream to the factories' in good order.