BUTTER PRODUCTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21365, 19 June 1931, Page 10

BUTTER PRODUCTION

A RECORD YEAR IN’ NEW SOUTH WALES. (From Our Own Correspondent.) SYDNEY, June 3. In an address to the delegates to the New South Wales Dairy Factory Managers and Secretaries’ Association conference this week the director of dairying (Mr L. T. Maclnnes) said that records for butter production and high quality had been established this year by local factories. He congratulated those present on their excellent finish to a season which commenced badly. Up to the end of last year adverse conditions had affected the output, but this year the leeway had been made up and a record for production had been established. The previous record was for the year 1924-25, when 52,000 tons of butter were produced in the State. The output in 1929-30 fell to 47,000 tons, but it was estimated that for the year ending June 30 next the production would reach the record total of 54,000 tons. Together with this record another had been established—one. for high quality. During the summer season (from December 1 to March 31), 92 per cent, of the total output was graded as choicest. For the whole year, however, it was estimated that 95 per cent, of the total output of the factories would be marketed as choicest, after passing through the graders’ hands. Last year the percentage was 88 for the summer season and 92 for the whole year. “ I doubt very much 'if a similar performance has ever been achieved in any other part of the world,” said Mr Maclnnes. “In spite of the falling values and overseas competition the butter industry has had a successful year. It is in a unique position as compared with any other primary industry in New South Wales. The realisation on butter in the state lias increased by more than £40,000 in the past two years.”

Taking into account the exchange rates, the Paterson bonus and the Paterson levy, continued Mr Maclnnes, the butter realisation in the State during the past three years was as follows: 1028-29, 7,298,000; 1929-30, £7,351,000; and 1930-31 (estimate), £7,718,000. The standard of export butter had taken a marked forward trend during the past three years. In the year 192829 70 per cent, of export butter was graded as choicest. In the following year the percentage increased to 80, and this year he thought it would amount to about 90. This was a record performance for any dominion. The high quality also app'lied to about 40,000 tons for the local market.

Subsequent speakers at the conference pointed out that while these improvements had taken place there was still much room for improvement with regard to the production of butter-fat per cow. There was much variation in the production per cow in New South Wales compared with Victoria. Records showed that in Victoria it was 2291 b per cow, compared with only 1301 b in New South Wales. There was great need for fodder conservation and the improvement of pastures. New Zealand was freely quoted as an example o'f what could be achieved in the latter direction.