Tallow As Pig Food Opposed

Northern Advocate, 12 August 1948, Page 4

Tallow As Pig Food Opposed

While tallow is recognised as a valuable fodder for pigs, its cost is such that it becomes uneconomical to the country as a whole.

For this reason the Northland District Pig Council at its meeting at Whangarei yesterday decided to oppose the release of further tallow for pig feed and to urge that more meat meal be made available in its stead.

The meeting was informed by the chairman (Mr H. W. James) that, including the subsidy, the total-cost per ton was £72.

Information supplied by the New Zenlnnd Meat Producers’ Board showed that a total of 361 tons of tallow was made available last season, stated a letter from the national superintendent (Mr H. M. Peirson).

The arrangement made by the Meat Board, whereby the difference between the current market price of tallow and the United Kingdom price would be regarded as a debit to "the meat industry account, meant that approximately £19.500 would be debited in respect to tallow released last winter. The secretary of the board had estimated that if the same quantity of tallow was required this season, the meat industry account would be debit- [ ed with £26,350. [ This increase was due to the fact ! that United Kingdom figures had advanced, while domestic prices remained the same. GRADE PRICES The prices of the two grades to farmers were £3l in sacks and £2B/10/in drums, and £25 in sacks and _£22/10/- in drums. These prices were paid f.o.b. to operators by the Marketing Department since the adjustment of prices as from March, 1947. Since operators were not placing the tallow sold for pig feeding f.0.b., the cost of so doing should be allowed to pig producers. ' However, operators were sending the bulk of their tallow for export and were not likely to reduce their price for small quantities which would be taken by pig feeders, the letter stated: “It is apparent that tallow is not an economical proposition, as the cost to the country will be about £72 per ton.” said Mr James, urging that the council should oppose the ration of this product as pig food. “I agree, lout there is no substitute.” commented Mr F. D. Miller (Warkworth).

MORE MEAT MEAL “It would be hard on some producers and it would be better if more meat meal was made available instead. Mr J. W. Byers (Kaikohe) agreed with this attitude, stating that the only line of action open to the council was to press for an increased amount of meat meal. “Tallow is a good food and its value is being recognised, but price is the bugbear.” the supervisor (Mr H. H. Preston) observed. At this stage Mr Miller moved “that this council is of the opinion that it is uneconomical to use tallow for the purpose of pig food at present costs, and asks the Government to take steps for some other supplementary food to take its place.” The motion was carried.