MORE BACON

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 51, Issue 3177, 2 October 1942, Page 7

MORE BACON

INCREASE ASKED FOR

APPEAL TO PRODUCERS

HEAVIER PIGS NOW WANTED

Once again there has been an upheaval in the pig industry. This time a more favourable one, for it looks as if the increase asked for is not dependent on shipping or other qualifications. This time a huge increase in local orders and local consumption is the factor which makes a rapid increase in production necessary. This increased demand is equal to our total bacon exports for last year, which amounted to approximately 11,000 tons, states a circular sent to all pig clubs by the Bay of Plenty District Pig Council.

You will have noticed an increase in the weight limits to 1201 b. for porkers and to 1801 b. for baconers. This is not another whim of the buyers as has 'been suggested, but'simply an avenue and by far the most im-, portant one through which we can I increase production this year. A simple calculation will show that if 201 b. were added to the million pigs slaughtered z in New Zealand last year, we could increase our output by 10,000 tons and that is what is expected of all pork and bacon producers.

Last year up to 'March 31, pig killings showed a reduction of 4700 tons due firstly to the crisis which had arisen in March 1941 and secondly to the change to cheese which, was made the same year. The change back to butter will increase production to some extent, but this is likely to be negatived by an increased demand for pork and to a large increase in the sow population, a decrease in which had already taken place owing to last year’s change to cheese. If producers had had longer notice, the sow position could have been met, and of course the store position too, to a lesser extent. The time has arrived when it is increasingly necessary for farmers* to

become self-supporting as regards grain and root crops; therefore put into operation a supplementary programme. At present our pig production is, pegged to the milk supply. Crops will assist in putting that extra weight on autumn pigs, as well as wintering sows and stores. Sugar beet, artichokes, Guerande carrots, mangolds and turnips, are in that order of palatability and feed value and don’t forget that lib. of grain per 1001 b. pig per day doubles the value of the roots. Advance breeding timetable and have farrowings in May and June, and again in November and December. Good quality breeding stock will be in keen demand foi’ some time to come. Pig clubs should therefore be encouraged to continue their breeding programme.

Old season’s maize is still available - at ,6s 3d on trucks Bay of Plenty stations in 10 sack lots. Barley is 4s 5d per bushel in tons lots ex ship. New ■season’s maize will not be available until November 30. In comparing prices, a bushel of maize is 561 b., and a bushel of barley 501 b. Their feeding value is about the same, lb. for.