PIG PRODUCTION

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 66, Issue 5595, 22 March 1943, Page 2

PIG PRODUCTION

MARKETING ASPECT FARMERS REGISTER PROTEST Some misgivings about the Government’s stabilisation policy as it affects the marketing of pigs was expressed at Friday’s meeting of the Te Awamutu branch of the Farmers’ Union, the opinion being expressed that the policy would make for a decrease in pig production. It was decided to forward the following remit to the Waikato Sub-Provincial Conference:’ — “ That this meeting strenuously oppose the Government’s proposals to abolish the selling of fat pigs at the sale yards, which is another instance of State interference.” It was pointed out that under ent regulations £4 10s was the ceiling price for fat pigs sold in the sale yards, but the cost of fattening had not been allowed for. At this time of the year, when skim-milk supplies were falling, pigs had to be topped off with meal, and it was claimed that there should be an adjustment to balance the costs to maintain the supply of fat pigs. Indications pointed to unfinished pigs being turned in,for sale. Farmers, it was contended, should have the right to sell their pigs to the highest bidder—on the hooks or in the sale yards. A request for grain at cost price had been rejected by the Government. PRICES FIXED The prices of pigs and pig meat are to be stabilised, said the Minister of Agriculture, the H,on. J. G. Barclay, in a statement on Saturday. He added that in consultation with representatives of all sections of the pig industry the final procedure had now been determined, and it would ensure that botii the price paid to the producer for pigs and the price to the consumer for pig meats could be stabilised and at the same time allow normal operations of trade to continue. This procedure is to be embodied in regulations to be issued this week.

The prices to be paid to North Island producers for both baconers and porker pigs will be those which operated in the field at 15th December, 1942, and the preceding 12 months, thus bringing them in conformity with the provisions of the stabilisation regulations. These prices are: Baconers, first grade, 6§d; second grade, 6sd. Porkers. first grade, 6id; second grade, 6§d.

The sale of pigs for slaughter will continue by private treaty and by auction, and penalties may be imposed on any buyers who pay amounts in excess of those fixed or attempt to make purchases outside the two auth. orised methods. For the remainder of this season the weight of baconers will be lifted to a maximum of 170 lb, and this limit will continue throughout next season unless unforeseen circumstances occur.

The Marketing Department will be empowered to purchase all pigs killed through freezing works, licensed abattoirs, and bacon-curing establishments and a pig meats committee is being set up representing the producers, the meat operators, bacon-curers, and but. chers to advise the Marketing Department on the best methods ensuring the equitable distribution of available supplies. The existing stabilised retail prices for pork and bacon will remain unchanged.