PRIMARY PRODUCTS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 307, 24 November 1934, Page 12

PRIMARY PRODUCTS

EXPORT FIGURES. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES. Figures relating to the export of New Zealand primary products were given at the annual meeting of shareholders of the New Zealand Farmers’ Co-op. Distributing Coy., Ltd., at Feilaing yesterday by the chairman (Mr T. Currie), who dealt lengthily with this aspect of the Dominion’s trade. “In regard to frozen meat,” said Mr Currie, “from figures supplied by the Meat Board we find the total shipments from the Dominion show decreases in lamb, mutton and boneless beef, with increases in frozen beef and pork. The comparative figures are as follow :

“Local prices have been on the whole satisfactory, especially for the early lambs, of which a larger quantity than usual was available owing to the favourable season. Prospects for the coming season are encouraging, and it is confidently expected that the establishment of the chilled beef industry will result in much added revenue to this Dominion. DAIRY PRODUCE.

“We find that a further increase in production in the dairy industry is revealed in the grading figures for the season ended July ill, 1934, the details showing that butter exports in 1932-33 were 127,799 tons and in 1933-34, 140,225 tons, an increase of 12,420 tons. During the same periods cheese exports rose from 100,988 tons to 103,682 tons, an increase of 2684 tons. This gives an increase of 9.55 per cent, in butter and 2.66 per cent, in cheese, dr, taking the gradings on a butterfat basis, there is a general increase in production of 7.83 per cent. London values for both bijtter and cheese have kept at low levels, the average for butter being below that of last year.

“The market has been in a chaotic state, and returns to our dairy farmers little short of disastrous. The whole position is very difficult as wo are apparently placing more* dairy produce on the markets of the United Kingdom than they can absorb except at very low prices. When it is remembered that our exports of dairy produce have increased from 143,079 tons in 1924-5 to 243,907 tons in 19334. it will be realised that until conditions at Home and general international trade show considerable improvement, high prices cannot be expected.

“It is hoped that the proposed Government action in regard t.o this industry will have a beneficial effect and it behoves all dairy farmers and those interested in the industry to see that herds are heavily culled, only the best of sires used, and the quality of our produce not only maintained but considerably improved, for only by doing so will we be able to maintain our position on the market where competition is keener to-day than ever before.

LIVE STOCK RETURNS. ‘‘The annual returns compiled by the Government as at April 30 show that a good recovery has been made as far as sheep are concerned, this year’s total for the "Dominion being 28,646,222, which is nearly one million better than the 1933 total of 27,755,966,” continued Mr Currie.

“In reviewing operations during the past twelve months it is pleasing to note that returns to those engaged in sheep farming have been satisfactory. On the whole, weather conditions have been favourable, although during September a spell of boisterous weather in some districts caused a very heavy mortality among newly born lambs. “Export prices for both fat sheep and lambs have shown a consistent and gradual hardening and have given that degree of confidence which during recent years has been lacking. At the moment sheep raisers and fatteners are anxiously awaiting the opening of the new season’s wool sales, the result of which will undoubtedly have an important bearing on stock values for the incoming season. Chilling of beef for export appears to be now firmly established in the Dominion. This branch of our industry is an important forward move, and is one that must have many beneficialoresults. Its establishment is likely not only to be the means of substantially increasing fatteners’ incomes, but will also cause a material increase in prices for store cattle. Its effect on the markets is already apparent, and fatteners are experiencing some difficulty in securing supplies of store cattle suitable for the trade’s requirements. “The fact that the Central Bank authorities have definitely fixed the exchange rate at 125 has removed that feeling of unrest and uncertainty that previously existed. It is now, I think, fully realised that the action of the Government in increasing the rate was fully justified, and has undoubtedly been a very material assistance m tiding the- primary producer over a trying and difficult period. “The tone of markets generally, with the exception of dairy stock, is sound, with prices slightly higher than those ruling last year, and, given a reasonable return for the current wool clip, I venture the opinion that the incoming year will be to those engaged m sheep farming operations at least as satisfactory as the season just closed, xnc chairman concluded.

Sept. 30. 1934 Sept. 30, 1933 Carcases Carcases Lamb ... 8,747,761 8,856,549 Mutton ... 1,787,538 2,165,757 Beef (qrs.) 445,590 310,678 Pork ... 462,142 301,987 Boneless beef (bags) ... 220.390 287,963