FACTORIES DENIED FULL ADVANTAGE OF IDEAL SEASON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22851, 22 January 1949, Page 4

FACTORIES DENIED FULL ADVANTAGE OF IDEAL SEASON

fewer cows

Because of the decrease in cow population in the Gisborne district, arising out of the May flood last year, dairy factories here are not reaping the full benefit of the excellent season being enjoyed by the individual dairyfarmers.

In making this point today, the secretary of the Kia Ora Co-operative Dairying Company, Limited, Mr. J. H. Sunderland, conservatively estimated that the number of cows being milked in the Gisborne district showed a decline of 10 per cent, since the flood. Dairyfarmers whose pastures had been destroyed by heavy siltation were mainly cropping to get their land back into good shape for their cows. “The season has been very good indeed and the figures for January and the remainder of the season should be well in advance of those in previous seasons.” Mr. Sunderland saidimprovement in Returns

“However, because of the low cow population, the full effect of the ideal season is not being felt by the factories- It is best for the individual farmer. Despite that, our returns will show an increase on recent seasons.” "There is ample milk available in the meanwhile and we do not contemplate any difficulty when the schools re-open,” said the secretary of the Okitu Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, and milk depot, Mr. H. P. Hamilton, when referring to town milk supplies. “At present the cows are doing marvellously and are practically up to their peak production.” He explained that the position would be better known when the schools resumed. Many of the cows used for town milk production were now drying off, as was natural, and it might be necessary to seek other sources of supply for that reason. Mr. Hamilton did not think it would be difficult to secure additional supplies if that course became necessary.