QUALITY OF BUTTER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22402, 24 April 1936, Page 19

QUALITY OF BUTTER

Sir, "Hand Milker" need have no difficulty in being able to produce a perfectly satisfactory cream, provided he adopts hygienic methods in his shed. It he cannot afford a steriliser, a goodsized copper will effectively handle his dairy shed utensils. But I contend quite definitely that, unless a dairy farmer, large or«small, machine or hand-milker, can produce a clean, high-grade product, he has no right to be associated with the industry. This attitude is by no means autocratic, for we have a parallel case in the fruitgrowing industry. In this sphere the apple grower who cannot produce disease and codlin moth free apples is prohibited on the market. I wholeheartedly agree with "Advance" in advocating a system for scientific testing of cream for bacteria, and a payment according to quality. Taste grading will never be satisfactory for locating dirty cream, as so much depends upon the time in transport and temperature on arrival at factory. W. Pkrcivat, Levy.

Sir. —The thanks of dairy farmers are due te Mr. Lew for his verv lucid letter on sterilisation of milking machines and utensils. Quite a number of farmers never stop to think what is going on while milking is in progress, and Mr. Levy's letter will do a lot of good if it starts them thinking. The question of improving our dairy products is a very big one and should be tackled in earnest. Great improvements must be made if we are to capture the Home trade. Wo must have inspectors, not aggressive ones, but men who will help us out of our troubles. ] have found inspectors in other lines are most helpful if they see one is anxious to do the right thing. 1 we'.dd like to see some representative body, such as the Farmers' Union, t.*Ue this matter up and let the Government know we are anxious and willing to do our best to improve our output. if they get this assurance they will do their part, i feel sure, in the meantime I hope Mr. Levy and all progressive dairy farmers will keep on lighting until the industry can truthfully say. "Ours is the best butter in the' world." Progressive Farmer.