ORGANISED PIG-RAISING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23577, 13 August 1938, Page 3

ORGANISED PIG-RAISING

THE NATIONAL COUNCIL WORK OF DISTRICT UNITS Pig producers throughout the Dominion arrived at an almost unique decision last year when they agreed to levy themselves to the extent of 2d per pig for the purpose of assisting the industry. Usually an Act of Parliament or the existence oi some regulation is necessary before such levy is imposed, but in answer to inquiries instituted by the Pig Breeders' Association and the recording clubs there was a unanimous agreement that the levy should be collected. Admittedly not all the branches of the Farmers' Union replied, but almost without exception those who replied were in favour of the levy, and the " no-replies" combined with objections did not constitute more than 15 per cent, of all the branches ADMINISTRATION OF THE FUND The Minister of Agriculture acted very promptly in obtaining the approval of Cabinet for the imposition of the fee of 2d per carcass on all pigs slaughtered, with the result that it was necessary to establish immediately some organisation for the control and utilisation of the funds that were beginning to accumulate. After consultations with those interested the Director-general of Agriculture decided that the fullest opportunity of controlling the funds must be given to those who provided them— namely the producers. Consequently, the present organisation of a National Council, working through district pig councils, through pig clubs, was decided on. Pig • clubs had been in operation in Taranaki for a number of years, and had given good service there. •The ideal behind the director-gene-ral's decision was that real progress in any industry is seldom achieved in the absence of initiative ana enthusiasm on the part of the individuals in that industry, and while research and instruction are often the means of achieving that interest there are numerous other ways of doing the same thing. Advice which is asked for is infinitely better than advice which is proffered. Pig clubs, while they provide many material advantages by way of distributing improved stock, are also places where farmers assemble with a common objective, where everyday prob lems can be discussed, and where ideas can be enlarged on and put into workable shape. This may sound common place and may disappoint many whi are just waiting for that piece of advice or research that lies around the next corner, but on reflection most will agree that attention to the commonplace is the one item that will make the industry prosper.

ATTENTION TO COMMONPLACE Put up better accommodation so that the chance of earning profits becomes as good for pigs as it is for cows or sheep. Keep them clean and well fed in order to eliminate disease, deaths and wastage. Use the feed available until the pig population is double; be proud of pigs, as you are of sheep and cattle, and thev will pay for. all the improvements—and more. Thinking about them is the beginning of progress. One farmer did not use his whey eight years ago; to-day his pigs are a major farm project. His rejects at the works are less than one pig in one hundred. More people comp to see his pigs in a month than ever came to see his dairy herd in a year He takes a pride in them, and they pay handsomely, even though he employs labour to look after them. THE ORGANISATION There are eight district councils set up in New Zealand, and. so far, approximately 250 pig clubs have been established. Each district council is an independent body receiving a grant from the National Council ani employing a supervisor and secretary to carry out the wishes of the council. Except for the general direction of policy and co-ordination of the efforts of all the district councils, the department does not appear in the picture as far as district councils are concerned. ■The supervisor is the servant of those who pay the levy, and if anyone feels that he is not receiving his share of service from the organisation he can address himself to the district council in his area, or join a pig club, become a member of the district council, and take his chance of being elected to the executive, which controls the policy of the council. If the movement fails producers will only have themselves to blame; if it succeeds they will reao the benefit.