CHILLER BEEF RATES QUESTIONED BY A. & P. ASSN.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 22971, 14 June 1949, Page 8

CHILLER BEEF RATES QUESTIONED BY A. & P. ASSN.

Following a discussion on the rates paid lor various weights of chiller beef, the manner in which the carcases were cut under the terms of the competition, and the possibility that interest in the chiller section might suffer, further inquiries were made in Gisborne before the P.B. Agricultural and Pastoral Association forwarded a letter to the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board.

“Strong exception was taken by some competitors because they had received 3/- per 1001 b. less for some of the quarters a few pounds in excess of the 1801 b..” the letter to the board stated. “This matter was referred to the local freezing company and it was explained that although the schedule price was quoted, for cattle up to or over 7201 b. the requirements of your board for payment necessitate a specification showing auarters under and over 1801 b., which are paid for at the appropriate rates.” Recasting of Schedules

Attention was drawn to the fact that beef schedules had been recast by the board to give a premium on lightweight chiller beef types. "As a result of your policy of ‘recasting’ the schedules, it would appear, producers are detrimentally affected, especially in view of the fact that the basis of the contract .completed with Great Britain for the sale of New Zealand’s output provides for quarters up to 2101 b. at the maximum price," the letter continues.

_ “To give a specific example in the chiller competition under review, a beast weighed 6931 b., which we think vou will agree is an admirable weight for a chiller. One of the hindquarters weighed 1831 b.. and the other 1801 b. The competitor was penalised 3s per 1001 b. on the over quarter, despite the fact that thifc particular quarter qualified for the maximum price under the contract with the British Government. “In conclusion, m.y committee feels that the increased production of beef is being hampered, especially in a district like this where cattle are more or less used as implements until three-vear-olds. We need hardly remind you that .in your annual report you quote forequarters 4.5080 d per lb, as against 7.7993 d for hindquarters. The farmer producing a light forequarter beast is penalised because he tries to improve the weight of the hinds, which are- so much more valuable.”