SPREADING DAIRY OUTPUT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22794, 30 July 1937, Page 10

SPREADING DAIRY OUTPUT

Professor W. li idtlcfc's suggestion tli.it winter dairying should be encouraged deserves consideration by the industry and the Marketing Department. The object is to obtain more .uniform production, as to both quantity and quality. The case made by Professor Riddet, as published this morning, is cogent enough. To the points he makes of particular meaning within the industry may be added more general economic and social arguments. As organised today, the industry is largely seasonal and so is tlio employment derived from it. A more even spread of production over the year wonld be a real victory over unemployment and reduce charges for casual labour. At present, moreover, factory and farm equipment and storage have to be designed to cope with peak production, lasting not more than one or two months of the twelve. Consequently the industry is over-capital-ised for the greater part of the year. If production were spread, increases could be obtained without added capital cost. Continuous employment would also enhance labour efficiency. Professor Riddet also believes that many advantages would accrue on the farm —increased yield per cow and per acre, less herd disease and less difficulty in herd management. He does not contemplate any revolution in farming practice, involving the widespread use of concentrated feeding stuff. He asserts, in fact, that in many districts there is less feed available in the early autumn months than in the winter. Professor Riddet's whole case deserves attention from the Government. If the effect on quality should appear likely to be as beneficial and the marketing advantages as great as he suggests, tho offering of a premium for winter supply would appear to bo well justified.