MORE COWS MILKED

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 17920, 26 October 1932, Page 5

MORE COWS MILKED

AVERAGE PRODUCTION DOWN COLD SPRING: DRY SUMMER “HARD AND ANXIOUS TIME” (Parliamentary Reporter.) WELLINGTON', this day. The fact that the dairy production of the Dominion was slightly greater during the past year than in 1930-31, despite a well-marked decrease in the average production per cow milked, is mentioned in the portion of Uie Agricultural Department’s annual report, devoted to a review of conditions by Dr. C. JReakes, director-general of the department. Dr. Reakes gives a comprehensive survey of the industrial position in the primary departments, and comments in particular upon the energy shown by respective groups of producers in promoting export policies. “Consequent- upon unfavorable conditions in 1931, the continued increasing production which has been so noticeable during the past few years was checked to some extent,” states Dr. Reakc’s report. "However, except in the case ol arable crops, which showed a marked falling-off, the average yield per acre being much below normal, an increase lias again been recorded in our main products. In the case of dairy-produce yields can be best shown by taking the figures of each dairying year ending on July 31. In the period August 1, 1929, to July 31, 1930, the increase of butterfat production over the preceding year was 10.40 per cent.; from August 1, 1930. to July 31, 1931, the corresponding increase was 2.50 per cent., and for the year ending July 31, 1932, the increase over the preceding year is 5.28 per cent. Considering the unfavorable season, this last-mentioned aggregate, which represents nearly 9000 additional tons of butterfat, must be regarded as very satisfactory. A well-marked decreased average yield per cow occurred, and this would naturally have resulted in a decrease in the" aggregate production of butterfat, but for the fact that it was more than counterbalanced by a greater number of cows being milked on dairyfarms, while a number of sheep-farmers started small dairy herds by way of assisting their finances in the face of low values for sheep-products. DECREASED FERTILISING “The falling-off of tho average niilkvield per cow was undoubtedly attributable in part to the cold dry spring weather, lollowed by a dry .summer in large areas of the country, and the effect of this upon supply of feed. Another factor of importance was tho decreased use of fertiliser top-dressing of pastures, due to the lowered purchasing-power of farmers. The provision of a subsidy on superphosphate improved the position, and it is evident that top-dressing on a more extensive and reasonably adequate scale is being brought about. “A feature of the year’s operations lay in tho heavy slaughtering of sheep and lambs at meat-freezing works, the figures for the 12 months ending March 31 showing an increase of 942,885 sheep and 491.707 lambs, the proportion of killings to total stocks being higher than usual. A larger proportion of old ewes than usual is included in the sheep figures, and this is bound to be reflected in flic number ol breeding-ewes returned in the next sheep returns. Owing to the seasonal conditions the wool-ciip was somewhat lacking in style arid character, while selling values readied a very low level. This, with markedly reduced prices for mutton and lamb, has seriouslv affected the finances of sheopfarmors. Additional trouble has been caused by low values for sheep and Innib by-products, and altogether sheepfarmers are having a very hard and anxious time. The heavy slaughtering already mentioned was doubtless the result ol attempts to make as many realisations as possible. While the anticipated large reductions in sheep stocks cannot be regarded with equanimity it may have some compensating effect in reducing tho hulk of wool to be marketed and thereby helping to harden prices. FRUIT CROP GOOD “The fruit crop of 1931. was n good one, and the quantity exported was some 20.000 cases of apples and pears in excess of the previous season’s shipments. The returns were good so far as sales in Great Britain were concerned, but losses were experienced ou 'Continental sales, owing to the serious financial collapse in Germany and its reflection elsewhere. This is ‘unfortunate, as the previous season's Continental sales gave good results. A call upon the Government guarantee ensued, the amount involved being £19,171. So far as the 1932 season is concerned the prospects are at present better from the guarantee standpoint. “The poultry industry is still making progress, but is hampered by a lack of proper organisation. A strong effort- is now being made to get the industry organised on a good basis, and, if successful, it should result in it being placed in the position so useful an industry deserves. A relatively small quantity of eggs were exported, but the realisations were considered satisfactory in the circumstances. The leaders of the industry exhibit commendable enterprise, and, if assisted in their efforts to obtain better organisation, the endeavor to develop an increasing trade should give good results. BAD SEASON FOR HONEY

“In the case of honey, production fell heavily, the seasonal conditions being entirely responsible. The hemp industry is still" languishing, the serious drop in manufacture recorded hist year having been accentuated. Efforts are being made to find fresh avenues of utilisation of the products. Good work is being done at Massey College in the, selection and breeding of plants from strains of proved high quality, and it. may be hoped that better times are in prospect for this industry. “The production of grass and clover seods for export bus become a usetul adjunct to fanning practice in areas where soil and climatic conditions are suitable, and the returns therefrom for the calendar yiSar 1931, as shown by the Customs export figures, amounted to £155.410. The practice of Government ’ testing and certification has proved a valuable • factor in building up this branch of rural industry on a good basis. “Taking the year as a whole, the Dominion lias come through verv well in Hie matter of production, considering the adverse weather conditions and the severe financial depression existing. Notwithstanding the increased hulk of lamb, mutton, and dairy-produce, shipped, the policy of the Meat and Dairy Boards in ivCi'E’tine shinmonls has prevented any period! of badly glutted markets occurring, activity in getting our butter sold Id a greater extent in (lie Midlands and North of England being of material aid in this. There is still ample room lor an increased distribution of our produce in portions of Great Britain where hitherto il has not crone much into consumption. and greater activity .is now being shown in seeking markels in oilier countries, a lino of action which is most desirable.”