DAIRY INDUSTRY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21893, 31 August 1934, Page 13

DAIRY INDUSTRY

PAST SEASON REVIEWED INCREASE IN PRODUCTION PROBLEMS OF MARKETING An increase in the production of hutter and cheese in New Zealand during the year ended July .31 is mentioned in the 10th annual report of the Dairy Produce Board. "Favourable conditions in the early spring gave a wealth of feed and a very substantial increase in production was recorded," states the report. "During the balance of the season, although here and there throughout the country dry spells were experienced, conditions in the main were satisfactory, and production kept up, with the exception that in the last few months of the season the falling-off was more rapid Uian usual." The increase in the production of butter during the year, as compared with 1932-33, was 9.55 |>er cent, the increase in 1932-33 being 22.03 per cent. Cheese production increased 2.00 per cent last year, as against an increase of 14.52 per cent in the previous year. The increase on a butter-fat basis, taking both butter and cheese, was 7.834 per cent over 1932-33. The increase in 1932-33 over 1931-32 was 20.351 per cent. In 1933-34 the estimated number of cows milked was 1,815,000, the number in the previous year being 1,723,913. Dominion's Cheese Exports The percentage of cheese graded 91 points and over last year was 98.10, the previous year's percentage being 80.97 per cent. Of the total amount of cheese imported into the United Kingdom last year, New Zealand provided 07.76 per cent and Canada 20.72 per cent. In 1932 New Zealand's exports amounted to 61.0 per cent and Canada's to 24.8 per cent. "It is interesting tc note," states the report, "the regularity in arrival on the market of the monthly quantities of cheese from New Zealand and Canada combined. These quantities would indicate that the arrivals arranged by the board just about meet the position." It. is stated that during the past season the quality of Now Zealand butter had about held its own. There was a slight reduction in the percentage of butter graded as "finest," although tlio average grade showed little variation from that of the preceding season. Many brands had been as favourably reported upon as hitherto and loft little, if anything, to be desired to suit the trade in New Zealand butter. The improvement which was manifest in the quality of New Zealand cheese during the 1932-33 season had boon accentuated during the 1933-34 season. New Zealand cheese quality was now definitely on the upward trend. Canadian Attitude Criticised In a reference to marketing problems, the report states that Great Britain is still almost the only market for the Dominion's produce. Direct shipments of butter to Canada for the season just ended were 342 tons, as against 615 tons in 1932-33. "As was suggested in our last annual report, the trade treaty between Canada and Now Zealand has little value for the dairy producer." says the report. "While the taritf on butter entering Canada stands at the relatively low rate of 5 per cent per lb., the Canadian Government has consistently discouraged importations from Now Zealand during the past year. "During February and March, 1934, very low butter stocks in Canada indicated a decided shortage, and in the face of such official discouragement some shipments went forward, but on arrival in Canada these were placed under bond by the Canadian Government. Small quantities were released from time to time when it was thought that the market could absorb them, but the action was sufficient to stop completely further business. While such action is doubtless helpful to the Canadian dairy industry, yet it is clear that the treaty is of no permanent value to the New Zealand dairy industry." Aii interesting development in Canada was the action of the Canadian Dairy Farmers' Federation to promote the formation of a dairy produce hoard on the linos of the Australian and New Zealand boards, the establishment of a national brand, the organisation of the domestic market, and generally the improvement of quality.

Extension of Markets Dealing with the requirements of Jamaica, the report states that in the past .Jamaica had imported New Zealand and other butters direct from London, but the New Zealand trade commissioner considered the business would develop more by direct shipment. The board was accordingly endeavouring to facilitate that wherever possible. New Zealand butter was also being shipped to the Bermudas. In connection with the question of reform in the internal marketing of butter and cheese, it is stated that an opportunity was being taken to bring it before the Dairy Commission. It was hoped the commission's recommendation would be such as would eventually bring forth the necessary legislation. The, report deals at length with the efforts of the board to increase the sales of butter and cheese abroad, particularly in Great Britain. The results of advertising are summed up in the words: "New Zealand gets a wonderfully fine show; better than her competitors, and immeasurably better than most."

Figures are given which show that a. decrease occurred in the consumption of margarine in the United Kingdom during the past year, 176,889 tons being consumed in comparison with 191,706 tons in 1932. The consumption of butter, on the other band, increased from 412,916 tons to .177,441 tons. It is contended that should restrictions upon the import of butter ultimately come about, margarine and lard should also be included.