BUTTER PRODUCTION

Otago Witness, Issue 3556, 9 May 1922, Page 15

BUTTER PRODUCTION

AUCKLAND’S STRIKING RECORD. AUCKLAND, May 2. A striking record in butter production in Auckland district this season was assured fairly early in the season. The receipts at the Auckland Farmers’ Freezing Company’s grading stores during the first three months of the season indicated that with favourable weather conditions the previous season’s fine record would be eclipsed, and many predicted that an output of 1,000,000 boxes would be recorded. These predictions have been more than fulfilled. Receipts at the grading stores to the end of April totalled 1,026,507 boxes, compared with 741,536 for the corresponding period of last season, an increase of 284,971 boxes. In view of the fact that production is being maintained to a remarkable degree it is safe to assume that last season’s record will be exceeded by approximately 400,000 boxes, which would have represented a total return for a normal season a few years ago. Last season’s record output of 741,536 boxes to the end of April was largely due to the fact that a record price of 2s 6d per lb was being paid for all butter produced in the dominion to the end of March. This season, without the inducement of an exceptionally high price, in fact with a depressed market during most of the season, butter producers have eclipsed their efforts of last season in a remarkable manner. During last month 82.18 S boxes were received at the grading stores, compared with 34,620 received during April, 1921, an increase of 47,569 boexs. These figures indicate that a high rate of production is being continued during the late months of the season, and that the loss in revenue due to reduced prices, will be largely compensated for by increased production right to the end of the season. flhe value of the butter received for export to the end of March last season was approximately £4,930,000, the price paid by the Imperial authorities under the re position being 2s 6d per lb. Assessing the value at £4 a box or rather less than Is 6d per lb, the total quantity produced this season to the end of April would be £4,106,028.