CHEESE QUALITY.

Waikato Times, Volume 109, Issue 18342, 30 May 1931, Page 9

CHEESE QUALITY.

(To the Editor.) Sir, —I was interested in Mr Philpott’s letter in your issue of the 26th Inst., and wish to present my idea of the solution of the industry’s troubles, after a fairly close study of the position, for his consideration. The fundamental trouble is that we are attempting to make cheese from milk that is not suitable —Jersey milk—on account of the large fat globule. Experiment has already proved conclusively that the Jersey breed gives the lowest yield of cheese, but under our present system of payment receives money to which it is not entitled, to the detriment of the true cheese-making breeds. Even in the white-milk breeds you will get cows more suitable for butter than for cheese, on account of having large fat globules. It would seem necessary to take a microscopic test of each individual cow'’s milk to determine tier suitability for cheese. All this talk about top-dressing and many other possible causes is all bosh, and it is high time the producers, who are paying for the blunders of other people, woke up and took a hand in the game. Every cheese-producer should be in possession of Mr P. 0. Vealc’s report, which, by those qualified to judge, is an outstanding work on Hie problems of the industry. There is no single factor that is going to improve our cheese. The necessary steps for the rehabilitation of the industry are: (i) Abolish the Jersey for cheese by returning to the white-milk breeds, witti an equitable system of payment; (2) compulsory milk grading; (,'i) more care and time given in the factories to the various processes of manufacture and pressing; (•!) possibly provision of more storage to ensure our cheese arriving on the market more matured than at present. This is the position as I sec it. Are the New Zealand cheese-producers prepared to face it fair and square? I believe they are, if they would only think the position out for themselves; the producers as a rule will adapt themselves to anvthing, for the good of an industry, ‘if given an Intelligent lead.—l am, etc. R. 0. YOUNG. ’ Gordonton, May 26, 1931.