N.Z. STUD STOCK.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 8 July 1925, Page 8

N.Z. STUD STOCK.

• SOUTH AMERICAN MARKET. “ALMOST UNLIMITED FIELD.” Breeders of stud stock in the Dominion have already established something of a market in South America. Tliq, desirability of developing that market i.s emphasised very strongly by Mr Hugh Munro, stock inspector for the Auckland district, who recently return-, ed from a lengthy visit to the Falkland Islands and some of the South American States (says the N.Z. Herald). Mr Munro was commissioned by the British Colonial Office to investigate and report on the conditions and practice of sheep farming in the Falkland Iskuids with a view to bringing about an improvement- in the flocks and pastures of the colony. Mr Munro also visited Patagonia and Argentine before ■proceeding to England. “An almost unlimited lield exists in (the countries mentioned for stud stock that is already bred extensively in New Zealand.” said Mr Munro. “Romney sheep that are produced in the Dominion have already attracted considerable attention from South American flock owners, and there is ample opportunity to develop this market to an enormous extent. Corriedale sheep are also attracting marked attention, and should he very suitable for' some of the countries mentioned. As the .Corriedale was originally developed in New Zealand. it is to’ thi s country that breeders desirous of obtaining the best type should naturally turn. “The methods of flock and herd breeding aud management in South American States are not yet up to the standard of the Dominion, and it will be a process of many year s to achieve the objective that is being aimed at by tlie most progressive farmers of the country. During that period stud animals will be required in increasing numbers, and in supplying that demand New Zealand breeders are confronted with an unrivalled opportunity. This opinion expressed bv an authority who has an exceptional opportunity of assessing the possibilities of the situation, is surely worthy of the profound consideration of breeders in New Zest land. The question of stimulating outside demand and establishing the organisation necessary to develop the great potential market i s one for New Zealand breeders to handle.”

The importance of exporting only stock of good quality was emphasised strongly by Mr Munro. Animals that fall below a certain standard of excellence, he said, were a very bad advertisement for the Dominion, and were bound to have a detrimental effect on export trade. The establishment by breeders of a board clothed with authority to pass or reject stud animals intended for export, he considered, would be an excellent safeguard for those desirous of developing the market. The majority of the Dominion’s products were graded, and the necessity < for grading stud stock that cam e into competition with similar animals from other breeding countries must he" apparent to all.