CHILLED BEEF TRADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21868, 2 August 1934, Page 12

CHILLED BEEF TRADE

OPERATIONS IN DOMINION THE PRODUCERS' TASK OVERHAUL OF METHODS Factors governing the extension of tho chilled beef trade.are dealt with in the annual report of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board for the year ended Juno 30, 1934. "Now that it has been proved that chilled beef can be successfully landed in the United Kingdom, it is necessary to ensure that shipments arrive regularly and are well spread," states the report. "The quality of tho cattle treated for the trade is tho most important factor contributing to its successful development, and it is essential that shipments of chilled beef right from the inception should be confined to cattlo of tho right typo. Every effort should be made to establish a good name for our beef, and tho board has decided to undertake the grading so that only beef of suitable quality will be exported. "Tho standard of living of the British public has risen gradually since pre-war days, and quality is the dominant factor which prevails in the sale of all meat. The outlet- for frozen beef is being restricted, there being a growing tendency to prefer chilled beef to frozen. Years of specialisation have given the Dominion lamb trade a reputation which is a national asset, and tho same skill and organisation is needed for chilled beef. The average farmer must overhaul his methods of producing boef. What the trade requires is a well-bred, compact and well-finished beast, the ideal ago being about 2§ to 3 years.

"Importation of new blood would no doubt improve the quality," continues tho report. "However, there are at present good strains of beef cattlo in tho Dominion, and the important thing is to use care in selecting the breeding type. Whatever type is selected, the fattening process should begin as early as possible." The report refers to the" need for driving cattle slowly and resting before slaughter, and recommends dehorning as a means of eliminating bruising. "The chilled beef trade is a much more delicate and complicated business than the frozen meat trade, and the treatment given to cattlo prior to slaughter, at the freezing works and on board ship has a marked bearing on the final result," it states. SHEEP AND CATTLE VALUE OF TRADE EXPANDS GOOD FATTENING SEASON A considerable increase in the total value of the Dominion's sheep and cattle industry is shown in the annual report of the New Zealand Meat Producers' Board. Comparative values as measured by the export statistics (f.o.b-. values) for the past three years ended March 31 were: — 1931-32 1932-33 1933-34 Meat .. £8.098.116 £9,250,001 £10,268,238 Wool . . 6,551,797 6,414,283 11.603.079 Hides, skins 1,130,990 955,402 1,920,069 Other products (tallow, etc.) 707,235 843,498 1,013,925 Total . . £16,578,138 £17,463,184 £24,805,311 Following is a comparison of the killings of all classes of meat and export to Great Britain during recent seasons, the killing season ending on September 30, and the export season on October 31:— 1930-31 1931-32 1932-33 1933-34 To June 30 Tons Tons Tons Tons Killings .. 197,112 232,569 247,906 242,439 Export .. 201,121 237,683 242,211 There has been a steady increase in shipments to west of England ports and Glasgow, the report states. The shipments in the 1931-32 season increased by 27 per cent, and there was a further increase of 23 per cent in the ..following year. Reviewing the current season, the report states that the total kill of lambs for the season will not be far short of last season's output. From a fattening point of view the season was very satisfactory and the average quality of lambs had been well up to standard.

The report refers to the new British regulations governing the marking of imported meat and states- that the adoption for New Zealand of u national "indication of origin" mark was now being considered. The board expresses appreciation of tho tariff concessions made on United Kingdom goods. The report states that the exchange premium had been of great assistance to producers and the board was strongly of the opinion that a change of the present policy would be disastrous to the export industries and against tho interests of the whole Dominion.

Refercnco is made to railway freights, which the board claims are too liigh. The report states that the rate paid for the carriage of livestock is 50 per cent above the pre-war rate and tho rate is 47 per cent higher for frozen mutton and lamb and 28 per cent higher for beef.

The excess of the board's expenditure over income for the year wan £15,447, and the accumulated funds at June 30 were £73,156. Owing to the reduced income and the necessity for maintaining the advertising programmes in Great Britain, the board found it necessary to further draw on its reserves by redeeming £II,OOO Rural Intermediate Credit bonds and £3500 inscribed stock