NEW ZEALAND SHEEP

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20722, 8 May 1937, Page 21 (Supplement)

NEW ZEALAND SHEEP

QUALITY ACCEPTABLE TO RUSSIA BIG EXPORT MARKET LIKELY By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, May 7. The quality of New Zealand sheep has proved most acceptable to Russian farmers in the past, according to M. J. Mayoroff, leader of a delegation to New Zealand from the U.S.S.R., for the purpose of acquiring sheep for stocking and breeding purposes in his country. M. Mayoroff has recently completed an extensive journey through the major sheep raising districts of New Zealand inspecting most of the important flocks. He reports that he has found the type of sheep being raised with its body low set and well covered an excellent quality for dual purpose farming at present being conducted in Russia. Farming conditions there were substantially the same as those existing here, he said. Until the last few years, the runs had been scattered but at the present time attempts were being made to establish production on a large scale in specified area?. It was hoped that ultimately Russian flocks would be of sufficient size to support the country’s demand both for wool and mutton, without recourse to other countries. The visitor said that when it was realised that the population of Russia grew at the rate of 3,000,000 every year, however, ft was apparent that the task was a large one, and the export trade likely to be a very valuable one. Since the Australian restriction on the exportation of merinos, Russia had been forced to look elsewhere for supplies, and these had been found principally in New Zealand, England, U.S.A., and Germany. The quantity required, however, was so huge that there was very little competition between these countries. According to present indications, it appeared likely that New Zealand would take a forward position in supplying this demand. On his present visit, M. Mayoroff had intended purchasing about 3000 rams under his principal contract with the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Agency Co., Ltd., but unfortunately owing to an excessively wet spring and summer, the animals did not at present comply in every respect with the standard required. He, however, would report to his principals on the general standard of New Zealand flocks which, in his opinion, will prove very suitable for Russian conditions. He expressed his appreciation of the kind treatment extended to him and his party during their visit to New Zealand, and of the services extended to them from all directions to aid them in technical matters. The party will leave New Zealand some time this month.