PIG INDUSTRY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 246, 14 September 1935, Page 7

PIG INDUSTRY

SCHEDULE OF PRICES. PRODUCERS’ MEETING. DEPUTATION TO BOARD. Expressing dissatisfaction with the disparity in prices for exportable and unexportable pigs, and contending that these should be governed by the realisations of the various grades, a meeting of those engaged in the industry decided at Palmerston North to-day to arrange a deputation to wait upon the Meat Board and Executive Commission of Agriculture. The cc we nee. of interested parties which resolved to adopt this course of action was called by the Manawatu-Oroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association. Mr H. E. Thurston (Feilding), presiding. “This meeting has been called to give farmers an opportunity to review the schedule of prices for porkers and baconers fox; the coming season,” stated the chairman. “The advertisement convening this meeting was a general invitation to all concerned—buyers and sellers—thereby giving the opportunity for explanations with regard to the specified prices offered for different weights and quality of carcase. While it is agreed that 4Jd per lb is quite satisfactory for baconers with id per lb penalty for second grade pigs, it is not clear why the wide difference in the price of 2d a lb is made on unexportable pigs. This requires some explanation. It is also a matter of concei-n to farmers who are being requested to increase their baconer output and to restrict the numbers of porkers why higher pi'ices are offered for porkers than for baconers.

“The published schedule is -gd in favour of porkers. Pigs from 1001 b to 1191 b at 4;fd are woi'th within |d of the value of prime baconers, yet we are told that this class of carcase is not wanted by the trade. It would be informative also to- know whether pleurisy pigs are to be specially branded as such. Will the buying firms quote the relative percentages of pigs marked unexportable because of pleurisy and of pigs placed second grade because of quality, i.e., overfat, bad type, etc? How will the grading be done and by whom ? Will buyers actually state the reasons why pigs rejected for export because of pleurisy are penalised to the extent of 2d per lb,- while second grade pigs are let off with 3d deduction? What is the position with regard to the 9d insurance and what does it cover?” The new season’s schedule rates, as from September 1, had been announced as follows, it was reported :—Porkers, to 801 b, 5Jd; 81 to 1001 b, 4|d; 101' to 11911), 42d. Baconers, 120 to 1601 b, did;’'to 1801 b, 4|d; to 2001 b, 3£d; over 2001 b, 2Jd. Choppers, 2jd, and unexportable pigs, Id for choppers. Deductions for second grade are 3d per lb less, and for rejects and condemned, 2d per lb less, with insurance at 9d per pig. Last season’s baconers were often paid for at full rates despite their grading unexportable, it was stated. Porkers were dropped 13d only.. Should rejections be too heavy, there is a possibility of the penalty being raised further.

RESOLUTION MOVED. Mr W. A. Davison (Rongotea) commented that the buyer possessed no more information than the farmers. Mr M. A. Knudsen (Whakarongo) suggested that the heads of the different firms should have been invited to attend. The chairman said this ' course had been followed, but they had forwarded apologies for absence. Mr J. A. Russell (Palmerston North) moved a resolution—that the Manawatu-Oroua branch write all other branches, the Farmers’ Union, ' and the Manawatu and W est Coast ' Dairy Factories’ Association, pointing out tho existing position and asking them to appoint delegates within fourteen days to wait on the Miuis--1 ter concerned, as success depended 'upon swiftness of action. J\lr 11. V. Benge (Aorangi) secondled the motion. Dissatisfaction was expressed by the chairman and others at the present system of grading. ’ The opinion was expressed by Mr E. J. Sinclair (Cheltenham) that the farmers had been taken by surprise. He'advocated some action being taken regarding conditions under which pleurisy pigs were dealt with. The chairman stated that the principal trouble appeared to lie with the export firms. Air Russell said the 2d per lb deduction for rejects and condemned pigs represented a large amount. Ho considered they should make representations direct to the Minister.

Air Sinclair advocated that a subcommittee be appointed to meet the curing and exporting firms to secure a compromise, instead of .antagonising them. Meanwhile, a movement for general action cpuld be set afoot. By meeting the exporters, said Mr Ivnudsen, they could ascertain their attitude and, failing satisfaction, go to the Minister. There had been a unanimous request by tbe industry for a different grading system, but it had not come into force. The fanners should get to the bottom of the business. , URGENCY STRESSED. It was pointed out that 90 per cent, of the unexportabJo pigs were fit for local consumption, and there was no justification for such a wide disparity as 2d per lb in price. Mr [Sinclair moved an amendment that the branch appoint a committee to interview the exporting and local curing firms with regard to the difieience in the parity ot iocal and export prices k i tidied branches, meanwhile to be communicated with to. secure their support and, lading an agreement with the films arrangements be made to approach the Meat Board and the Minister. iJiwncv in taking action was JiSPW Mr W. L. Wf two* ville), who said they go straight to the Government with their grievance. , . ~ , Mr Xnudsen commented that no satisfaction had been obtained fron. that source in the past. Mr W. S. Carter stated that fanners must seek to eliminate the unexportable pig in connection ''l which serious losses liad been sustained. He did not blame the expoiteis at all, saying that it was the farmers own fault. They should be able to make co-operative pig marketing * similar success to co-operative dairy-

Tbe amendment was lost, and M F. C. E. Conway (Longburn) moved another—that a deputation of or three be appointed tc go direct to the Meat Board to impress upon it (lie seriousness of the matter as schedule rates for the season, he understood, were to be confirmed a ■ meeting of bacon carers on 1 ues yMr A. J. Baxter (Aorangi) g' c rates as between the various g of pork and bacon, This does not mean to fix the price °f P°

bacon, such difference in rates being governed by the realisations of the various grades.” It was decided that the sponsors of the different resolutions should draft one designed to incorporate each view in the terms of a general motion, which was submitted as follows, Mr Russell withdrawing his original motion :

“That with a view to meeting the present position arising out of the disparity of prices for exportable and un exportable pigs, this meeting of producers proposes that all _ kindred representatives of the pig industry be invited to appoint delegates to go forward as a body to interview the Meat Board and Executive Commission in order to protest against the published schedule of prices for pork and bacon, with a view to the differential rates paid for various grades both exportable and unexportable, being governed by the realisations of those grades.” This resolution was carried.

MEETING OF BRANCH.

MANAWATU-OROUA BREEDERS

Prior to tlie conference tlie monthly meeting of the Manawatu-Oroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association was held, Mr H. E. Thurston (Feilding) presiding. Others present were Messrs W. J. Croucher, J. A. Russell, W. G. Black (Palmerston North), O. ■C. Ellerm (Sanson), W. A. Davison (Rongotea), G. M. Wliitelock (Newbury), C. S. Hunt (Glen Orona), and W. L. West (Woodville). Tlie chairman extended a cordial welcome to Mr Black.

An appeal for financial assistance was received from the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs movement, and it was decided to make a donation of £1 Is.

The secretary reported that there were now 112 members, and the chairman expressed gratification at the steady increase shown recently, though it was stated that tlie branch once had a membership of 200. It was decided to forward a letter of appreciation to the Manawatu and West Coast A. and P. Association for the improved selling facilities provided oil the Showgrounds.