THE PIG INDUSTRY

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 56, Issue 4041, 29 April 1938, Page 7

THE PIG INDUSTRY

GROWTH IN WAIKATO. GRATIFYING PROGRESS. “ The yeai- 1937 must be looked on as one of the most important to the pig industry of New Zealand, for during that year was instituted a new scheme of national instruction in pigkeeping,” stated Mr C. P. Harington, Waikato pig supervisor, in his annual report presented at the annual meeting of the Waikato District Pig Council held at Hamilton yesterday. “ Hitherto,” continued Mr Harington, “the only work done in this direction was almost parochial, due to the untiring efforts of the pig-record-ing clubs now absorbed by the respective councils- “ This work in the past, although covering a small area, was not in vain, for to-day the same rudiments and ideas are fostered in most districts where practicable. The openair method of breeding, feeding, and fattening was first advocated in Waikato eight years ago, and definite proof of its success is the establishment and continued use of over 2000 lay-outs, giving complete satisfaction. Much has been written and more has been said of the disadvantages of the open-air system (the critics often being those who do not know); still it can be said that its advantages greatly out-weigh its disadvantages. NATIONAL SCHEME. “ With the inauguration of a plan financed by all pig farmers by a Government levy of 2d per pig on all pigs slaughtered, it was possible to collect a sum sufficient to put into operation the national scheme of pig instruction. With this came the setting up of district pig councils, to which areas were allotted and the work of educating farmers in pig husbandry was begun. Part of the scheme was the establishment of pig clubs in as many districts as possible. “ This work has progressed very satisfactorily, and to-day in this area we have 23 clubs establshed and consolidated, and 14 districts have signified their intention of forming a club. It was noticeable at the commencement of the organising the lack of interest shown by farmers, but I am pleased to say that this condition has given place to enthusiasm. Where clubs were formed early and breeding sows purchased, the members have expressed entire satisfaction with the scheme. “-Due to the shortage of pedigree stock at the time, it was impossible to buy all club sows. This was quite unforeseen, but it is hoped that by the spring all clubs will be suited with breeding stock. Breeders have been very patient, and thanks are due to them for their help in attempting to do all they can to foster the club movement. It must be realised at this stage that the pedigree breeder is the key to the whole of the pig industry, for unless he can breed and concentrate on the pig where constitution, carcase conformation, and early maturity are blended to produce the ideal baconer, we cannot hope for much success- If the breeder is prepared to work on these lines we must recognise his efforts and pay a price for breeding stock suitable to compensate him for his time and efforts INSTRUCTION AVAILABLE. “ Instruction in pig husbandry is now available to all farmers through their district pig councils, and those keen to make a success of the undertaking are quick to avail themselves of this opportunity. In this direction some 400 farmers’ have asked for assistance in the erection of piggeries breeding, and disease problems, and 58 pigs have been selected by the supervisor as breeding stock. It is hoped that in the near future all farmers will eventually avail themselves of this free service, and so enhance their prospects of making the pig more than pay his way. A little cooperation at a time when opportunity is ripe will result in a better understanding amongst farmers and a general improvement in the conditions of the pig industry. “ Generally speaking, there has been a definite improvement in the class of pig now found on farms, and more up-to-date methods are employed in the production of pork and bacon. Still further improvement is necessary in both departments, and one of the surest ways to improve stock is by breeding from recorded strains of pedigree pigs- Our disease problem must be tackled with determination, and selection of strains less prone to disease, correct feeding, and housing will do much towards total eradication of our annual losses. “In this direction,” concluded Mr Harington, “ our Government has instituted a grading scheme whereby farmers producing disease-free goodquality pigs are compensated for their work.' Is this not an inducement to producers to turn off a better pig at a premium ? ”