DAIRY PRODUCTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23020, 23 April 1938, Page 15

DAIRY PRODUCTION

POVERTY BAY DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT ANTICIPATED t [by telegraph—own GISBORNE. Friday Following the present season's decline in dairy production in the Gisborne district, the prospects for the 1938-39 period point to a distinct improvement. More cows are expected to be in milk and already farmers are making inquiries -for additional cows, some of which will replace sheep on properties where labour is not a problem. A revue of the position was given to-day by Mr. J. H. Sunderland, secretary of the Kia Ora Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, who stated that fewer cows- were milked in the district this season because of the inability of dairy farmers to secure labour. Present indications were for a 'substantial improvement in production next season, some farmers having expressed the intention of dropping out of sheep, while many who do not have to employ labour had stated that they intended to milk a few extra cows.

The Kia Ora Company's production last month, he said, was about 10 per cent lower than in the previous March. As a result the total payments for the month were lower than a year ago, although the rate of advance was higher. Last month the Company made its advance at the rate of 12id, the total being £17,735, while in March last year, when the basis was 12d per lb., the total payment was £18,460. The Okitu Co-operative Dairy Company, Limited, paid out £5085 on last month's butterfat on the basis of 12£ d per lb. The total was £936 short of the amount paid for March last year, when the basis was 12d per lb.