CHILLED BEEF

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20852, 7 October 1937, Page 6

CHILLED BEEF

THE EXPORT TRADE

REGULAR SUPPLIES ESSENTIAL By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON. October 6. “Now that the New Zealand chilled beef export trade is an established fact and the quantities shipped are increasing, it is of the utmost importance to have regular supplies going forward throughout the year,” said Mr T. A Duncan, chairman of the New Zealand Meat Producers’ Board, in an interview to-day. “Under our seasonal conditions,” continued Mr Duncan, “the greater quantity of our fat cattle are ready in March, April and May, sometimes extending into June. This results in a great deal of our chilled beef being landed in the United Kingdom during the hottest months, during which time chilled beef does not sell so well. In addition, it comes into competition with the main supplies from Australia. Having regard to the fact that only fast vessels specially equipped with chilling chambers are suitable for the carriage of chilled beef, it will be appreciated that this creates difficulties if shipments are not spread throughout the year. It is essential in the carriage of chilled beef that if it is to arrive in good order and condition it must not be too long in the carrying vessel. “As applying to the months when very little chilled beef is available for shipment, I feel sure that more could tj done on grazing properties by judicious management so as to supply suitable cattle during these months. In many districts on suitable agricultural farms by means of hay, ensilage and other suitable feed a considerable number of chillers could be turned off during these lean months and show a profit to the growers. Many stations and farms in the North Island would benefit very considerably by grazing more cattle than they do at present, and their sheep would be healthier. I ' t! sure that all farmers who are interested in our chilled beef export trade will go into this question to see if it. would be possible to help by arranging their fanning so as to fill up .ae present gaps in the lean months of supply. This couid best be done by wintering cattle better that are intended for slaughter the following season This would bring them out earlier. “In conclusion I would like to stress the necessity of breeding from nothing ' t the best for this trade. This, together with well finishing before aughter and reg :’ —hipments in fast ships, should further enhance the reputation of our chilled beef and maintain a more payable level of values for beef cattle breeders in New Zealand.”