CARRY-OVER OF LAMBS

Southland Times, Issue 23888, 5 August 1939, Page 12

CARRY-OVER OF LAMBS

LATER CLOSING OF WORKS PROPOSED

REPORTS OF BRANCHES OF FARMERS’ UNION

Views of branches on the numbers of lambs carried over at the end of the freezing season were received by the Southland provincial executive of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union yesterday. About 500 lambs in the Orepuki district were carried over, stated a letter from that branch. It was felt that one works should remain open to deal with late drafts, and that the buyers for the various firms should have the best idea of what lambs were carried over. The branch was not satisfied with the early closing of the works, nor with the announced intention of the works to close a fortnight earlier than they did, stated the reply from Mossburn. A number of unfinished lambs had been rushed in, in anticipation of the closing of the works early in June. From the Pukerau branch came the information that the carry-over was very small, perhaps 100 altogether. The early closing of the works resulted in there being killed a large number of thin lambs, which with an extra month’s feed would have been first grade. It was felt that the undergrade lambs might affect the average export quality. The works should close when the supply of fat lambs slackened, and one of them should reopen when the late drafts were ready. The Lumsden branch was in favour of the works remaining open while any lambs were available. The best idea would be to suggest to the freezing companies that when the numbers of lambs slackened the works should close and one reopen later when the last drafts were fattened, said Mr D. McDonald.

“The farmers in our district got a terrible hiding with their last drafts—there was a big number seconds.” said Mr T. Hanning. Many of the late lambs had been classed as seconds. The replies were received.