Baconers for Export

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 121, 23 May 1941, Page 3

Baconers for Export

8000 TONS FOR SHIPMENT Following up a statement released to the press by a trading firm that the embargo on" the export of baconer pigs had been lifted for the time being, the Wellington District Fig Council made urgent inquiry at Wellington relative to the position so that an authoritative statement could be made to the produeers. In a letter just received from the superintendent of the pig industry, it is stated that the United Kingdom Ministry of Food has given permission'for the shipment of stocks of baconer carcases, Wiltshire sides and other baconer cuts which were in store on April 12, 3 941. The total quantity in store at that date was 8155 tons, and shipment is to be made in equal quantities as far as possible during the months of May,, June and July. This decision of the Home authorities, affecting some 145,000 carcases, will make a material difference in the outlook for production of baconer pigs during the coming season. The figures quoted represent nearly fifty per cent, of our ordinary export of this type of carcase which means that instead of having a large carryover in store by the find of September as anticipated, the store chambers will be depleted at that date. It is known that some at least of the large curing firms are now short of supplies to fill their ueeds for local trade and are prepared to accept for slaughter all pigs that are available under the old schedule of weights up to 1601bs. In view of this changed outlook, it is recommended that farmers now carrying pigs through the winter endeavour to bring them to as heavy weights as possible instead of quitting them as previously advised at the porker stage of growth. Large numbers of potential baeoners have been sold recently at light weights and in view of this it seems clear that large-framed store pigs suitable for baeoners will be in keen demand in the spring. It will, pay handsomely to use all available food supplies in order to push these pigs forward to full capacity,