PRODUCTION OF BUTTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18471, 7 August 1923, Page 10

PRODUCTION OF BUTTER

YEAR'S LARGE INCREASE.

BRIGHT TONE OF MARKET.

(BUYERS m THE COUNTRY.

The ' figures of the : dairy division of the Department, of Agriculture show that the salted butter graded for July. 1923, was 505 tons, and the unsalted 15 tons, a total cf 520 tons, compared with *; a total of 595 tons for July of last year, a decrease of 12.6 per cent. :, For the twelve months ended July, 1923. the respective quantities were 63,792 tons and 4058 tons, a total ' of 67,850 tons, compared with a total of 50,548 tons last year, ah increase of 34.2 per cent. The cheese graded for July, 1923, comprised white, 84 tons; coloured, 210 tons; a total of 294 tons; compared with. 138 tons for July, 1922, an increase of 113 per cent. The quantities for -the twelve, months ended July, 1923, were:j. White. 38.374 tons; qoloured,- 22,846 tons; a total of 61,220 tons; compared with a total of 63,790 tons last year, a decrease of 4.0 per cent. :. - .../.. Converting these figures into butter-fat equivalent, there is an increase of 20.1. per cent, in butter-fat production for the twelve months, as compared with the corresponding period of 1921-22. There is a bright tone about the export dairy produce market, which is reflected "in reported business at the free on board equivalent of Is sid per lb. for butter, and up to 9d per lb. for cheese, both for August shipments. So far as prices for next year's (192324) output is concerned, no prices are named. Representatives of British distributing firms are at present active in the country districts interviewing directors as to consignments. There is no change in the local market price of butter. ■ •'•-. The Australian demand for butter is now fully satisfied and practically all contracts have been completed. This Australian trade came at a most opportune moment, and the utmost was done from this end to foster it in view of a possible future outlet in the Commonwealth during the dull period of winter and the normally easier conditions of the British market at about the same time.