PIG-RAISING METHODS

Hawera Star, Volume LIII, 10 March 1934, Page 7

PIG-RAISING METHODS

RECORDING CLUBS ENCOURAGED.

GRANTS BY MEAT BOARD

Now Zealand, a* the largest exporter of dairy produce in the world, has probably greater possibilities than any other country for the development of the pig industry, and this movement is very actively assisted by the Meat Producers’ Board, which for several years has subsidised the Waikato Pig Recording Club, and this season is also making a grant of £450 to the Manawatu-Oroua Pig Development and Recording Club. In coming to this decision, the Meat Board members held the view that these organisations should ultimately be placed on a sound', self-supporting basis by means of subscriptions from the farmers who receive the benefits from the work. The secretary, of the Manawatu-Oroua Club has informed the Board that a membership fee is being charged, and that it is hoped to place the club on a more self-supporting basis after the first twelve months. The view is expressed in the Board’s last’annual report that. New Zealand, as the largest exporter of dairy produce ; in the world, has the additional advantage that the bulk of the ;milk separation, is done on the farms-. At present ; the fullest use. is not made of the "dairy by-products.' ’ A certain amount is fed to' young stock, and to pigs, but there is' still a surplus which should be made greater use of ruthe feeding of pigs. “Compared with Denmark,” adds the report, “the dairyman of 'this Dominion, because of clamatic advantages and our wonderful natural resources, has been able to live on the production of butter-fat alone, and has almost, neglected the potential wealth of the pig. In Denmark, on the other hand, both industries have been developed side by side until to-daj her exports of pork products exceed her butter exports both in volume an on the work of the Mana-watu-Oroua Club show that demonstiaction's of weighing and observation o performances of stock frequency lead to alterations in the system of manage ment on the farms concerned, and n some cases to the introduction of improved breeding' stock. Farmers arc taking more interest in grading, there arc useful gatherings where modern lay-out and improved facilities can be inspected. Mr C. M'eMeekan, Mkssey College, under the direction of Professor Riddet, has prepared.a valu able survey of the data secured last year, which will be of importance to pig breeders by showing the. relation of milk yield to. pig flesh, 'together the factor of lnanageui’oat. I arm an straction, feed trials, demonstrations and informal talks are given, all aiming at improvement in method 1 and the production of good) quality carcases suitable for the export trade, /