THE PIG SHORTAGE.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XVIII, Issue 5, 20 May 1919, Page 294

THE PIG SHORTAGE.

AN INQUIRY AND ADVICE FOR FARMERS.

By

the Live-stock Division.

A shortage of pigs having been apparent in the Dominion for some time past special attention has been given to the matter by the Department. With a view to obtaining all information possible, Inspectors of Stock throughout the Dominion were recently circularized and asked to report as to whether they were of opinion that farmers in their districts were keeping pigs in less number than during the preceding year, and, if so, what they considered to be the reason for this. The replies received and published below are self-explanatory. In view of the trend of the dairy industry in the direction of utilizing dairy-factory by-products for commercial purposes, thus rendering them unavailable for pig-feeding, steps are being taken to furnish farmers with direct information and general advice regarding pig-rearing and pig-feeding under the changing conditions now existing and likely to continue. Demonstrations on the lines of farmers themselves producing on their own farms suitable and payable food for pigs are also being arranged. The Inspectors’ replies from the various districts are as follows: — Hawera. — A less number of pigs are being kept this year than last year, the reason given being that last season calves were fetching a good price, and in consequence farmers disposed of their breeding-sows. Another reason given for people ■ not keeping pigs is on account of the cheesemaking, as when the whey is separated the feeding-value of the residue is very slight, and consequently food has to be purchased. It is certain that a farmer cannot rear pigs and calves in large numbers at the same time, and it is a question which will give the best returns ; but it is anticipated that there will be a big demand for pigs next season.

Amberley.— A less number of pigs is being kept, the reason given being shortage and high cost of pig-feed, high cost of weaners, and the rearing of calves.

Timaru. — Pigs are more plentiful than they were last year. Pigs are not kept to any great extent in this district, and then only by the small farmer.

Balclutha. — A less number is being kept, the reason given being more interest taken in calf-rearing and scarcity of pig-food. Another reason given is that the whey at the cheese-factories is being put through the separator, thus reducing its value as a pig-food. ' '

Hamilton. — There has been a big reduction in the number of pigs owing to high prices being obtained for calves. This year calves are abnormally low in price, and bacon-pigs are selling at a good price, and as a result pig-breeding will again become popular.

Auckland.- A gradual reduction in number kept, owing to high prices being obtained for calves and to the scarcity and high price of pig-feed. As the price for the latter has now dropped more pigs will be kept this year. Another reason given for the decrease in pigs is the manufacture of casein and dried milk, thus shortening the supply of skim-milk and whey.

Woodville. — The number of pigs kept has been reduced by 50 per cent, during past two years. This has been brought about owing to the high prices being obtained for calves and to the increased cost of pig-feed ; but if the present price for bacon-pigs continues farmers will devote more time to this industry.

Hastings.— Fewer pigs being kept than last year, owing to increased cost of food and to good prices being obtained for calves.

Paeroa.— Less number of pigs being kept than last year, due to good market prices for calves. As prices for latter are now on the downward grade the farmers have decided to go in more for pigs. This season the supply of weaner pigs was not equal to the demand.

Feilding. — Farmers are not keeping the usual number of pigs, owing to beef and mutton being more profitable and to the fact that a much larger quantity of milk is being manufactured into casein and dried milk.

Wanganui.— Pig-breeding is on the increase, owing to the high prices ruling for weaners. The general condition of the pig industry is very poor, as the farmer makes no provision for winter feed, but depends entirely on milk. The housing provided is also very poor.

Wairoa, H.B. — Pig-breeding is not carried out to any great extent, as farmers find it pays better to rear calves. Another factor against pig-breeding is that there is no bacon-factory in this district, and the district is more suitable for cattle and sheep.

Gore. — A less number of pigs is being kept, owing to the manufacture of sugar of milk and whey -butter, thus cutting off the main supply of pig-feed. Another reason is the high cost of suitable feed for pigs.

Oamaru. -Less number of pigs being kept, owing to high prices prevailing tor calves.

Tauranga. — No alteration in number kept. Very little pig-breeding is done on account of difficulty in getting the pigs to a market and to the absence of a factory in the district. If the price of calves continues to fall and buyers continue to take delivery of pigs at specially appointed depots the industry will receive more attention.

Gisborne. — Less number of pigs being kept, owing to high price of calves. The shortage of young pigs is now realized, and farmers are endeavouring to improve the position by breeding.

Dunedin. — Less number of pigs being kept, owing to cost of feed. Farmers consider it more profitable to give the milk to calves than to buy feed to supplement the milk to feed pigs.

Ohaeawai. No reduction noticeable. While prices for calves keep up farmers will not bother with pigs. Other reasons against pig-rearing are want of railway facilities and the absence of a factory in this district. ,

Christchurch. — A less number is being kept. The reduction is due to high prices for feed, difficulty in securing labour, and good prices being obtained for wool, lamb, and mutton.

Te Kuiti.—Less number of pigs kept, due to good prices obtained for calves. The price of the latter has now dropped, and in consequence the farmers have decided to go in for pigs.

O-bunake — Not the same number kept as last year. This has been due to the high prices being obtained for calves, and to the inclement weather during spring causing the death of a number of young pigs. 0 bo tiki — Slight decrease in number kept, due to high prices being obtained for calves and scarcity of labour. As the price of calves is now falling and labour becoming’ more plentiful, it is anticipated that the pig industry will receive more attention. '

New Plymouth.— Less number being kept, due to the manufacture of cheese and casein thus lessening the value of the residue of pig-feed. Owing to high prices being obtained for calves last year many farmers disposed of their breedingsows. Now that pigs are scarce and the price of calves has fallen more attention will be paid to the pig industry. Kaikoura.— No reduction in the number of pigs kept.

Palmerston North.—Pigs are not being kept in the same number. This has been due to the manufacture of casein and cheese. . ' Blenheim Decrease in number kept, on account of the profitable nature of calf-rearing and to the high cost of suitable pig-feeds. It is anticipated that the industry will be gone in for more this year, owing to the fall in the value of calves. If farmers could be assured that pigs could be fed almost exclusively on green stuff the industry would receive more attention.

Whang ar — Less number being kept, owing to good prices being obtained for calves. As the price of the latter is on the down grade it is anticipated that more attention will now be given to the pig industry. Stratford. — Less number being kept, owing to the manufacture of casein and cheese, the by-products of these being practically valueless as feed. Nelson. — Less number being kept. It is anticipated that the number will increase, as calves are not likely to become more valuable than at present. The manufacture of cheese is also against pig-rearing. Chatham Islands. Pigs are kept for local consumption only. Masterton. — Decided decrease in number kept, due to increased cost of suitable feed and to good prices being realized for calves. As the price for these is not keeping up it is expected that more attention will be given to pig-breeding. Hokitika.— About the same number being kept. The climate in this district is not suitable for pig-breeding, and pig-feed is very dear. The facilities for sending pigs to market are not good, and the local demand is limited.