EXPORT OF PORK.

Taranaki Daily News, 8 June 1931, Page 6

EXPORT OF PORK.

Among the subjects discussed last week by the North Taranaki branch of the New Zealand Farmers’ Union was that of the prospects for the development of swine husbandry. The discussion arose over a suggestion that all carcases of pork for export should be graded by State officials, the corollary being, of course, that payment would be made in accordance with the official grading. It is a curious thing that with climate and natural conditions eminently suitable for rearing pigs the export of pork from dairying districts should prove so difficult to establish. There is, of course, (■he question of the high cost of wheat products and foods for stock, which are so largely availed of for fattening purposes, and the manufacture of casein has also interfered with supplies of skim milk from certain districts. New Zealand’s greatest rival in dairy exports, Denmark, has developed a pork and bacon industry that is almost as valuable as the export of butter, the market for all these commodities being Great Britain. Il is obvious that if New Zealand is to develop the export of pork tho first essentials must be the right kind of carcase for the English market and continuity of supply. There is plenty of information available in regard to the carcase desired in Great Britain, but the present organisation of the industry leaves a good deal to be desired. The suggestion that all carcases should be graded and payment made on quality is quite sound, but in addition to quality there must be continuity of supply if the industry is to be established. As in the case of the fat-lamb trade, success is. not likely to be reached fully in one season or in two, but export by fits aiid starts will g’t nowhere. It is evident also from the prices at which Denmark is willing to supply Great Britain that there can be no profit for the New Zea-

land grower who sends any but firstclass quality careases. .There is a market for these, and one that is capable of much expansion. But, like dairying itself, swine husbandry must be conducted by proven methods if it is to become, as .it has in Denmark, by far the most valuable “side-product” of the dairy farmers.