Pig Breeders Dissatisfied With Grading Methods

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7298, 27 October 1933, Page 5

Pig Breeders Dissatisfied With Grading Methods

MANAWATU-OROUA BRANCH VOICES PROTEST. Mr. H. E. Thurston presided over the monthly meeting of the ManawatuOroua branch of the New Zealand Pig Breeders ’ Association yesterday. Others present were: Messrs. J. .'Smith,. C. ;S. Hunt, A. G. Dear, W. A. Davison, IV. C. Scott, 0. Ellcrm, W. J. Croucher, H. E. Fieldhouse, and C. P. Meckan (secretary). The secretary of the Manawatu-Oroua Division of the Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Clubs wrote thanking the association for a donation made to its funds, and for the interest taken in the movement.

The New Zealand Pig Breeders’ Association forwarded a lengthy report containing extracts from council meetings and the annual meeting of the Dominion body. The report traversed matters of general interest to breeders.

The action of the chairman in forwarding to the New Zealand Exporter a letter (compiled by Mr. Croucher) detailing the efforts made by pig producers to improve the industry and the quality of the pigs grown for export, was confirmed. It was explained that the letter had been written in reply to an article published in the journal in which it was suggested that breeders were not taking tho necessary steps to improve the type of tho carcase. Congratulations were offered Mr. Croucher on tho 'clarity and fairness with which he had stated the position for tho farmers.

Mr. Croucher, in addressing tho meeting, emphasised the need for co-opera-tion between breeders and marketers. He declared that although a lot had been done, there was still need for continued effort by breeders to bring their stock nearer to perfection. He said there was considerable discontent evident as to the marketing of pigs at the present time. Breeders would welcome any suggestions from marketers which would mutually benefit all concerned in the industry. The opinion was expressed by several in the meeting that tho grading methods current to-day wero by no means all that could be desired. It was claimed that there was too much variation in the application of the grading standards, and the farmers in some instances were being penalised.Room For Improvement. It was suggested that representations should bo made to the Government Department in charge to ensure a uniform interpretation of the grading standards. Mr. Ellerm said that the branch, as one that was a prime mover to have the grading system instituted, should do its utmost to see that grading was carried out to afford tho greatest possible benefit to the farmers. They should bo in a position to assure farmers that all pigs were sold as they were graded. Mr. Davison said tho farmers were generally of the opinion that they were not receiving justice in the matter of grading. All they were seeking was the sure knowledge that all pigs graded as seconds were sold as such. Mr. Smith said an endeavour should bo made to secure statistics Which would show whether grading classifications could be fully reconciled with selling classifications. Resolution of Protest. Mr. Thurston then moved that the following resolution should be sent to the Minister of Agriculture and the Pig Industry Advisory Council: “That this meeting of tho Manawatu-Oroua branch of tho New Zealand Pig Breeders' Association expresses its disapproval of the system employed in grading bacon pigs, and desires to point out that the producers have no confidence in the methods which have this year been put into operation. Complaints are continually being made that producers arc hampering trade by producing inferior carcases, and while the present injustice in grading is being followed, a distinct barrier is placed in the way towards improvements being effected.” Tho motion was seconded and carried unanimously. The resolution will bo accompanied in each case by a covering letter in which constructive remedial proposals will be offered.