SHEEP FOR RUSSIA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22723, 8 May 1937, Page 12

SHEEP FOR RUSSIA

PRESENT STANDARD HELD TO BE INADEQUATE RESULT OF WET WEATHER DELEGATION TO MAKE REPORT [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Friday Owing to the excessively wet spring and summer, the sheep in New Zealand do not at present comply in every respect with the standard required by the Russian principals of Mr. J. Mayoroff, leader of the Soviet delegation which arrived in New Zealand a few weeks ago with the intention of purchasing about .'3OOO rams. Mr. Mayoroff will, however, report to his principals on the general standard of New Zealand flocks, which, in his opinion, will prove very suitable for Russian conditions. Large Scale Production The quality of New Zealand sheep had proved most acceptable to Russian farmers in the past, said Mr. Mayoroff, who has completed an extensive journey through the major sheep producing districts of New Zealand, inspecting most of the important flocks. He said he had found the type of sheep being raised, with the body low set and well covered, of excellent quality for the dual purpose farming at present being conducted in Russia. Farming conditions in Russia wort? substantially the same as those in New Zealand, he added. Until the last few years the runs had been scattered, but at present attempts were being made to establish production on a large scalp in specified areas. It was hoped that ultimately the Russian flocks would be of sufficient size to support the country's demands, both for wool and mutton, without recourse to other countries. Prospects of Purchases When it was realised, however, that the population of Russia grew at the rate of 3,000,000 every year, it was apparent that the task was a largo one, and the export trade was likely to be a very valuable one. Since the Australian restriction on the exportation of Merinos, Russia had been forced to look elsewhere for supplies, and these had been found principally in New Zealand, England, the United States and Germany. The number required, however, was so huge, that there was very little competition between these countries. According to present indications it appeared likely that New Zealand would take a forward position in supplying this demand. Mr. Mayoroff expressed his appreciation of the kind treatment extended to him and his party during their visit to New Zealand, and of the help given them iu technical matters. The party will leave New Zealand tliis month..