DAIRY COMPANY'S YEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21520, 17 June 1933, Page 14

DAIRY COMPANY'S YEAR

hiktjrangi operations BIG INCREASE IN OUTPUT PAYOUT NEARLY lid PER LB. [from our own correspondent! WHANGAREI, Friday The output of the Hikurangi Dairy Company, Limited, for tho season ended May 31, was 1938 tons of butter, compared with 1541 tons for the previous season, an increase of 25.73 per cent. The number of suppliers increased from 559 to 692. Tho total payout for superfine butter-fat for the season will bo 10.708 d per lb. The directors' report, to be presented at tho annual meeting on July 6, states that although there was an increase of 103 suppliers the large increase in output can be attributed mainly to tho highly-favourable weather conditions which prevailed throughout the season. Furthermore, suppliers realise the necessity of compensating for lower values by increased production. Quality was well maintained throughout tho season, approximately 86 per cent of the output being graded finest. r ihe average grade of butter was 93.14, compared with 93.28 for the previous season. Owing to keen competition on the English market from all parts of the world, it is imperative to aim for highest quality butter for export, continues the report. Suppliers are again urged to relax no effort in improving tho quality of their cream, as this will in turn enhance the reputation of the butter. The accounts reveal that there is £16,144 available for distribution, and the directors propose allocating it as follows: —Dividend of 3% per cent on all eligible fully-paid shares, £379; further payment of lid per lb. on June butter-fat, per lb. on August, 'September and October, Id on November, December and January, lJa on February, March, April "and May butter-fat (all grades); a total of £15,540. The average payout for the season for finest butter-fat, with deferred payment and dividend added, .is 10,214 d per with cream collection added is 10.708 d per lb. . The total payout for the season, including tho deferred payment, which will be distributed on July 20, amounts to £140,091, which is an increase of £5346 compared with last season. After these payments there still remains a balance of £223 in the profit and loss appropriation account. Stocks of butter afloat and unsold, it is stated, have been valued at a conservative figure. The season has been a very difficult one from the marketing point of view, due to unsettled world conditions, states the report. When attractive offers were forthcoming the directors took the opportunity of selling f.o.b. in preference to shipping on open consignment. This procedure has proved very beneficial to the company. The total payout the previous season for finest butter-fat, with deferred payment, dividend and cream cartage added, was 12.534 d per lb. During the year 2534 cows were tested, an increase of 1798 cows compared with last season. The directors state it is gratifying to see such a substantial increase in this important branch of the industry. They again urge suppliers to link up either with the Group Herd-Testing Association or with the company's association. The directors retiring by rotation are Messrs. T. Ellis and G. Hodgson, who are eligible for re-election. SEASON IN TARANAXI HERD-TESTING RETURNS [by telegraph—own correspondent] NEW PLYMOUTH, Friday The wonderful season for dairy production just ended is reflected in the returns for tho Taranaki Herd-testing Association for the season. These show that tho average production per cow over the whole association, representing 371 herds and 18,368 cows, was 57921b. of milk, average test 4.56, but-ter-fat 281.281b. in 268 days. The figures for the previous year were 54921b. of milk. 4.75 test, 258.731b. of butter-fat in 262 days. The highest herd in the association is that of Mr. G. H. Bell, of Oakura. It consists of 35 pedigree Jersey cows and their average production was 75181b. of milk, with 5.9 test, producing 4431b. of butter-fat in 321 days, a remarkable performance and a record for the association. Five other herds reached an averago butter-fat production of 4001b. and over. The highest cow, Conandale Royal Flush, a seven-year-old pedigree cow, owned by Mr. G. J. Clough, of Inglewood, gave 11,9301b. of milk, with 5.8 test, producing 6881b. of fat in 336 days. The highest group is . tho Riverlea-Kaponga-Mnngatoki group, comprising 16 herds, with a total of 758 cows. The avorago milk was 65261b., test 4.9 and 13171b. of butter-fat in 270 days. The objective of tho New Zealand Group Herd-testing Association, with which the Taranaki association is linked, is an average of 3001b. for all dairy cows, and with the same rate of progress that has been made in Taranaki during tho past year, it will not be long beforo the province is in a position to claim this averago for all cows under tho group testing system, in the past it has been on rare occasions only that any herd has exceeded the 4001b. butter-fat mark. On this occasion six herds come under this head. The leading herd in the association last year averaged 3941b. of fat in 287 days. MONEY FOR BUTTER-EAT WAIKATO VALLEY COMPANY [from our own correspondent! HAMILTON, Friday The Waikato Valley Dairy Company, Frankton, is making an advance to its suppliers of 9d per lb, butter-fat for cream supplied last month.