THE PIG INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 283, 27 October 1934, Page 10

THE PIG INDUSTRY

MEETING OF RECORDING CLUB. The monthly meeting of the Mana-watu-Oroua Pig Development and Recording Club was held on Thursday evening, Professor W. Riddet presiding. Also present were Messrs E. P. Nielsen, P. T. Jamieson, and W. J. Croucher (recording officer). There were apologies for absence from Messrs C. P. MeMeekan, P. G. Stevens, H. E. Thurston, B. Keiller, and L. Lovelock

Mr K. S. Glendinning, the secretary, stated that it was understood the C.O.P. scheme was now in operation, but as yet no advice had been received from Mr A. H. Cockayne, the assistant Director-General of Agriculture. He had a copy of the plan of operation, but as yet had no official statement.

The chairman suggested that an urgent telegram be sent to Mr Cockayne. Due to the uncertainty, said Mr Croucher, there were few pigs at present under the scheme, though there would be many offering once it was announced.

The chairman commented that the plan would set a very high standard, which was a commendable idea.

It was decided to send an urgent telegram to Mr Cockayne lor coniirmation as to the scheme. Mr W. L. Carter, of Moutoa, wrote explaining that a pig club had been formed at Shannon, it being desired to Jink up with the Recording Club as a branch.

Mr Croucher said the club comprised 10 members and it was proposed to purchase a good sow and provide suitable housing. One man was to take charge of the sow and the litter was to he sold among the members, the sow finally to be disposed of by ballot among them. It had been promised that the Recording Club would be given a statement regarding each of the pigs bred. The chairman commented on the fine nature of the scheme. It was decided to congratulate the farmers concerned on the formation of the club and to grant them the services 'of the recording officer. RECORDING OFFICER’S REPORT. Mr Croucher, in his’’ report, said there had been nothing new under the heading of recording during the month. “The majority of the early spring litters have been weaned and a lull in farrowings may now be expected, until December, when the second lit- j ters for the season will begin. Al- i though no exact calculations have been. made, a casual review of the records seems to indicate that the general ■ average numbers and individual j weights of weaners will be below those of previous years. The cold and | changeable weather conditions are j mainly responsible, but it must be stated that the personal factor in feeding and management has also a bearing on results,” Mr Croucher stated. “Frosty weather, unsuitable housing, and errors in feeding have definitely contributed to poor returns in many instances. There is, however, a pronounced improvement on farms where pig breeding is ■ taken seriously.

Evidence of this is to.be found in the continually increasing numbers of new farrowing and fattening pens that are being built or remodelled. This refers to the farms of many where actual recording is not done, but where advantage is being taken of the instructional work of development, which must now be regarded as being of equal if not of greater . general importance than the weighing of litters. Advice has been received from Mr A. C. Birch, of Marton, that he has completed tli© erection of two additional farrowing pens and two fattening styes. The buildings are the first completed portion of Mr Birch’s scheme of remodelling his lay-out. He also supplies particulars of weights of 16 pigs divided into sections of eight to be fattended under varying conditions. One group is confined exclusively to the stye, except for a run out once weekly on grass. Group two have access to grass at all times. In other respects the feeding of both groups is the same.

“At his request, I met Me Cockayne during a recent visit to Palmerston North and assisted him tc draft an outline of the conditions governing the C.O.P. scheme. These, together with charts for the use of farmers covering particulars of breeding and growth rate of litters, were approved by Mr Cockayne. He has promised to have the necessary printing done forthwith, and also to make the official announcement that the C.O.P. scheme is now in operation everywhere if desired. “Members of the executive will be interested to know that a group of ten farmers at Shannon have formed a pig club in that centre. Among other things the club intends to purchase foundation breeding stock from recorded litters and to distribute the progeny among members. I have been invited to assist in the selection of the pigs required and have secured an option over several pigs for that purpose. A similar club has been formed at Inglewood, and from that centre I have also been requested to advise and assist in the selection and purchase of breeding stock.

“The inauguration of clubs such as these marks a distinctly forward movement towards improvement in the pig industry and at. the same time provides tangible evidence of the practical value arising from tile work of established recording clubs. These voluntary efforts from groups of farmers should be capable of indefinite expansion and would materially assist in. bringing greater numbers of farms into direct contact with development work and recording work.” The report was adopted. In reply to the chairman, Mr Croucher reported that he was dealing with about 50 different farmers, but very few bad paid their fee of ss. Professor Riddet expressed the view that all farmers having their pigs recorded should pay the fee, but he thought that where other work and advice were given this was merely what was expected of the club under the subsidy from the Meat Board. A discussion ensued on the advisability of again conducting demonstrations at the Longburn and Feilding freezing works and it was decided to repeat the The chairman suggested that a grader of the Meat Board should be engaged. He also suggested that a demonstration be carried out at Patea. The meeting recorded its appreciation of the work of Mr P. G. Stevens, who acted as chairman during the absence of Professor Riddet.