FAT STOCK SALES

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25279, 16 July 1943, Page 2

FAT STOCK SALES

RETURN TO PRODUCERS FARMERS APPREHENSIVE Rumours of alterations in the present auction method of selling have occasioned concern, to farmers interested in the production of fat stock for the Burnside market. The farmers claim that winter fattening is a costly matter in Otago, and that unless the producers receive an adequate return this type of farming will be discontinued. Under the retail price order butchers have to sell over the counter at fixed basic rates. The farmers claim that the basic price for beef in Otago is not sufficient to meet their costs. Butchers, on the other hand, have been paying above the basic rates for beef at auction. The fatteners of stock are now concerned because of rumours of a change to selling on the hooks at the basic rate, the result of which, they claim, would be a lower return for their products. A serious aspect of the situation is that, in the event of winter fatteners not being encouraged or adequately repaid for their efforts, consumers may be faced with a shortage of fresh meat during the late winter and spring months. The matter will be further discussed at a meeting of farmers and all other interested parties to be held in Dunedin next Tuesday night.