THE BOBBY CALF TRADE

Taranaki Daily News, 8 September 1934, Page 4

THE BOBBY CALF TRADE

RISK TAKEN ON EMBARGO. DRAPERS FEEL LOWER RETURN. It is an open secret in the meat trade that some interests arc having a business gamble on the prospects of this season’s bobby calf meat being exported to the United Kingdom, says the Auckland Herald. The present position is that shipment of veal to Great Britain is prohibited, but there is no restriction on killings, which, in any case, would be necessary for securing the by-pro-ducts. At some works in New Zealand bobby calf meat is being frozen and stored, and it is stated that this is known to the Meat Producers’ Board. Exporters frankly discuss the position as in most cases contracts have been entered into with English buyers, who are bearing the risk of delivery. The overseas buyers stand to win or lose on the gamble, but it is assumed that they are making every effort ,at the British, end to have the embargo lifted. In a few cases, it is stated, the risk is being borne by Dominion buyers. It is claimed that the prices paid to the farmer for bobby calves allow some consideration for the carcase, but it is necessarily very small in view of the risk of the meat not reaching a market. Most of the price, which now averages about Is 9d a head in the closely-settled areas, is based on the Value of the sundries, such as skins and veils. Prior to the' embargo the ruling price was about 3s 6d, which compared with about 5s to 6s paid ; last season. j