EXPORT OF BACONERS

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 64, 27 February 1935, Page 4

EXPORT OF BACONERS

Industry in Precarious Position PORK KILLINGS NEED LIMITING The precarious position of the export of bacon pigs, with particular reference to recent concentration on the production ot pork, is set out in a letter to the Minister of Finance (the Rt. Hon. J. G Coates) from the New Zealand Association of Bacon Outers. The association recommends that the limiting of killings of pork at the respective works be enforced immediately. The letter was sent to the Minister after a meeting of the executive of the association nt Palmerston North this month. The following motion was passed by the excel)Live: —- “That the association views with great concern the position of the export of frozen bacon pigs to the United Kingdom, inasmuch as that the present number of bacon pigs exported being far short of the number allotted to this Dominion, it is feared that unless steps are taken rnmediately to place the majority of the porkers into baconer carcases the quota allotted will be considerably lessened to the detriment of the dairy’ farmer and the export of this Dominion in particular.” CONSIDERABLE INCREASE. During the last four years, states the letter, the number of pigs in New Zealand has considerably’ increased, and the export has consequently been growing year by year, but unfortunately, through misguided influence and vicious competition the farmers’ attention, particularly this season, has been given to the production of pork to the neglect of the bacon pig. London, however, has been well supplied from the Home, killings, and also abundantly supplied from the Argentine, making the market very sensitive and limited. The association, on the other hand, had strong inquiries for bacon carcases. The number of porkers killed in New Zealand from October 1, 1934, to January .31, 1935, was 204,067, as against 142,998 for the corresponding period of the previous year. The baconers, however, although showing an increase, were nowhere in keeping with requirements, the number being 73,757 for 1934-35. as against 59,665 for 1933-34. The allotment to the Dominion for export being 12,500 tons, and taking the carcase at an average of 1351 b., this country was permitted to send overseas 20(5,000 carcases. That number could bo extended while the allotment granted was based on tons and not on numbers. Long sides were now in great demand by the Home curers. In these cases the head, backbone and trotters were taken off, thus saving approximately 18/- a cwt. of the weight of the carcase, and giving an opportunity to increase the number of carcases. DRASTIC MEASURES SUGGESTED. It was felt that every effort must l>e put forth to keep the door open for the export of New Zealand baconers, in view of the realisation that the porker market was doomed; and the association strongly suggested that drastic measures be taken so that farmers would realise the seriousness of the position and its effect on New Zealand if the baconer quota were neglected, and if the quota now permitted for overseas were reduced considerably. A recommendation is made that the Government should, by proclamation, limit the killing of porkers by the respective works from February 20, 1935. That, it was felt, could be done without at least fear of a slump in the baconer market. A golden opportunity now offered to educate the farmer to the use of grain and to conduct his farm on a proper commercial basis. The association, assuming that supplementary feed were available, was certain that it would be possible to collaborate with bacon curers and exporters for the uso of their respective buying orgnisations lor guidance in the use of such foods. The increased cost of cereals must be watched. The association suggested that the department, ascertain immediately New Zealand’s quotations for pig fodder and also the quantity available, and do its utmost to maintain prices as at present. The dairy farmer should have every consideration and encouragement to rise to the occasion, and to do his utmost to avoid any curtailment oi the export of bacon pigs.