The Dairy Exporter in November 1971

50 years ago in the Dairy Exporter November

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

SHED CONVERSION AT REASONABLE COST

It is easy to spend a lot of money on milking sheds, but for much less it is still possible to have a shed which is efficient and pleasant to work in.

A Te Awamutu sharemilker, Mr Neil Tyre, recently converted an old, four-bail, doubled-up walk-through into an eight-aside, high-line herringbone for a total cost of $1700.

The old shed was not up to the standard demanded by the Department of Agriculture’s Dairy Division. The timber was rotting and all the concrete had to be lifted.

A water-driven backing gate is one of the features of the new shed. The water drove the gate and at the same time helped with the washing down of the yard.

CONSULTING OFFICER’S DAIRY – EFFLUENT DISPOSAL

Disposal of cowshed effluent is a problem constantly facing all dairyfarmers.

The effort put into effluent disposal depends on the situation, but sometimes disposal comes down to the fact that effluent is removed from the cowshed and alleviates the problem there, but is placed on part of the farm and another problem is created.

Or conversely, it is sometimes tipped into the local drain where it becomes a problem in public waterways and rivers.

However, some farmers have quite sophisticated systems for effluent dispersal, varying from mechanical manure spreaders to quite effective spray irrigation systems.

PRICES PAID BY DAIRY FARMERS IN 1970-71 ROSE SHARPLY

The prices paid by dairyfarmers for goods and services in the year ended May 31, 1971 showed a greater increase than in any other year since the Dairy Board established its price index in 1949. Increased prices for supplementary feeds, particularly hay, due to the drought last summer was major factor in the rise.

Car and tractor expenses were up by 28.8 per cent – the greatest increase – reflecting increases in the price of fuel and spare parts, insurance rates, mechanics’ wages and the imposition of a petrol tax.

Indications are that a further sharp increase can be expected in 1971, as already further increases in wage rates, insurance rates, import costs and rate charges have been announced.

In the 1971 Budget, the Government increased the subsidy on fertiliser by $2.50 a ton and increased the Fertiliser Transport Subsidy; both will be of assistance to dairyfarmers in holding costs.

CRIPPLING – FARMCHAIR THOUGHTS BY THE LAIRD

I feel deflated by the continuing deterioration of the socio-economic situation.

I am well aware that brains much more agile than mine are trying to solve this problem, but the progress being made seems to me to be negligible. The effects of crippling costs are only too well known to those who are unable to pass them on.

I am no advocate of subsidy-supported industry. However, I can see the day fast approaching when, to ensure that we have an industry that can produce goods to earn us overseas exchange, those who have directly and indirectly been responsible for reducing farmer’s incomes to a level that makes it uneconomic for them to continue operations, will have to keep them in business by contributing through the Treasury to their income – probably by holding or reducing costs by way of subsidies.

Cover photo: New Zealand re-combined sweetened condensed milk being bought in Bridgetown, Barbados, one of several New Zealand products included in this colourful display in a retail grocery shop. The re-combining is done at the Pine Hill Dairy, in which the N.Z. Dairy Board is a shareholder.

GINGER BEER

• 4 cups sugar • 24 cups cold water • Juice of 3 lemons • 1 level teaspoon citric acid • 4 level teaspoons ginger • Sultanas Stir the ingredients together until the sugar is dissolved. Strain through muslin and pour into bottles. Drop 3 sultanas into each bottle. Seal with cap top. The ginger beer is ready when the sultanas rise to the top – Buttercup.