PIGS FOR PROFIT

Taranaki Daily News, 13 October 1934, Page 24 (Supplement)

PIGS FOR PROFIT

OVER 1000 PIGS CARRIED. Carrying up to 1000 pigs run on the outdoor system, the farm of Mr. William Hunt, near Invercargill, provides one of the most interesting examples of the intensive farming of pigs in New Zealand. This is the first large-scale trial of the system in the South Island. As the system is entering its second season only it is somewhat early to draw conclusions, but the organisation is on a remarkably sound basis. The property carries slightly more than 100 sows at the height of the season. The land entirely comprises heavy, rich river silt. The farm produces its own grain for the pigs—Garton oats — and the protein, side of the diet is provided for in whey. Last season giant tanker trailers were towed from behind lorries to carry the whey to the farm from the district factory, but the off season has been spent building a pipe-line two miles in length Which will carry the whey direct from the factory to the reservoir tanks alongside the sties. Two big reservoir tanks have been constructed which will hold the whey as it is pumped daily to the farm.

The system of feeding is efficient and up to date. In the height of the season the arrangements are so smoothrunning that there is not enough work on this section of the farm to keep one man busy. The houses in each pen have wooden floors, and to each pen there is an adequate supply of water contained in a concrete trough. The buildings and pens are fixtures, and it is too early in the trial to come to any decision as to their healthiness after long stocking. However, the danger of troubles due to that source are realised and an attempt has been made to spell the pens for at least one period. During that time they are heavily limed.