The Dairy Exporter in 1971

50 years ago in the Dairy Exporter August

As NZ Dairy Exporter counts down to its centenary in 2025, we look back at the issues of earlier decades. 50 Years Ago – August 1971.

RINGING CALL FOR MAXIMUM MILK

“I have returned from the United Kingdom convinced that the priority aim of the dairy industry must be to produce as much milk as possible.” The Dairy Board Chairman, Mr F. L. Onion, C.M.G., sounded this call for maximum production in an interview with the “Exporter” just after his return from Britain, where he had discussions with Britain’s Minister for Europe, the Hon. Geoffrey Rippon, the British Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Eric Prior, and senior Government officials.

“This will not only ensure that we fulfil our commitments on the British market, upon which our future in that market will depend, but also enable us to take full advantage of the opportunities for expansion of trade in other markets at the attractive price levels now ruling,” he said. “It is in the hands of the individual dairy farmer to maintain and, where practicable, to increase his production and he can do so with full confidence.

“After my discussions in Britain I am as confident as ever of the sound future for this industry and my confidence is shared in full by the Board,” said Mr Onion. “This is no time for carping criticism of the terms of the United Kingdom-EEC agreement. It is time for New Zealanders to get on with the job.”

COW NUMBERS

National cow numbers dropped by 2.1 percent between the 1969-70 and 1970-71 seasons, according to estimates from the latest Dairy Board cow census, and the Dairy Board’s Farm Production Division expects a further drop of about 2 per cent this season. The Division estimates there will be about 2.3 million cows in milk.

Cover photo: Calf rearing time has come round again and as in the National Publicity Studios study on our cover this month, wives and daughters are lending a hand in the nursery department on many dairy farms.

INCREASE IN STATUS OF FARM WORKERS SUGGESTED

Farm labourer is a dreadful title according to Mr R. A. Dennis, of the Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company.

“A bloke can’t speak with pride and tell his mates, ‘I just got a new job, farm labourer’,” he said. Assistant farm manager, dairy farm foreman, farm supervisor and farm assistant were more inspiring titles. A change in designation and a few extra dollars could make a world of difference.

MILK RESEARCH

Baby foods offer another most encouraging outlet. Dairy products remain the most important ingredient in a wide range of infant foods, for which the world demand is booming. The New Zealand whole milk biscuit, evolved at the Institute, is becoming a major success story. The protein-rich biscuit with a milkfat content of about 24 percent, is achieving spectacular health improvement among undernourished children in many countries. There will be 45 million biscuits (1000 tons) and a substantial quantity of biscuit pre-mix made this season.

Cheddar remains the basic export cheese, but New Zealand has established a successful record with other varieties such as Colby. Cheshire has been produced on a small scale and Caerphilly has been tried experimentally.

PROPERTY FOR SALE

Hawke’s Bay - Versatile Farming Unit of 527 acres freehold

Situated approx. 35 miles from Napier, this property is well serviced, and consists of strong easy to medium rolling hill country, well watered, and sub-divided into 27 paddocks by excellent fences.

Stock – 150 milking cows, 150 other dairy cattle, 50 2-year-old A.A. heifers, 1800 ewes, 100 other sheep.

Buildings – 2 modern bungalow homes of 3 and 4 b/r, 4 stand woolshed, haybarn (8000 bales), implement shed, 14-aside herringbone cowshed, piggery, excellent sheep and cattle yards.

Rainfall – 50-55” per annum.

Price - $200.00 per acre Land & Buildings.

Comments – This is a well balanced unit suited to both dairying, and sheep and cattle breeding and fattening. It is in excellent heart and equipped with a first-class range of buildings. Inspection recommended. Dalgety N.Z. Limited.