asked the Minister for Agriculture if he is aware that the average annual yield of all our dairy cows is under 400 gallons; that the average annual yield of the cows under test in the cow testing associations, is over 500 gallons; further, that if even one-fourth of our cows yielded as much, on an average, as those under test, there would be an increase in our milk output of some 30,000,000 gallons yearly; and if so, if, in view of the desirability of securing an appreciably higher number of cows under test, he will state when it is intended that his Department shall put into full operation the several recommendations contained in the interim report on dairying issued in 1943 by the Commission on Post-war Agricultural Policy.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Milk Yields.
I agree that the average yield of cows owned by members of cow testing associations is higher than the average yield of other cows. I am not satisfied, however, that the difference is as great as the figures given in the question would suggest. Particulars furnished in the report to which the Deputy refers show that over a number of years the annual quantity of milk sold to creameries in our principal dairying area represents 379 gallons for each cow held by the suppliers. Since a considerable quantity of milk is consumed in the suppliers' households and fed to live stock, the average yield per cow would, in my opinion, be nearer to 500 than 400 gallons in the area mentioned, which comprises the whole of Munster and County Kilkenny and contains more than half the milch cows of the country.
As regards the last part of the question, it would not be possible in existing circumstances, owing to the lack of necessary equipment, to effect any considerable extension of cow testing associations. While the establishment and proper use of such associations would tend to encourage farmers to take steps to increase milk yields, there is no reason why they should not proceed immediately to improve their herds, and I am hopeful that the present prices for milk will induce dairy farmers to do a good deal in that direction. All factors having a bearing on milk yields are under consideration at present.
If, as we are told by the Department, there are as many milch cows in the country now as at any time in recent years, and if, as the Minister asserts, the average milk yield is 500 gallons per cow, how is it that we are restricted to two ounces of butter?
The Minister has asserted that, according to returns made by the creameries, the average milk return in Munster and in County Kilkenny delivered to creameries in respect of each cow, is 379 gallons. According to the statistics furnished by the Department of Industry and Commerce some 24 per cent. of the milk yield of each cow is consumed on the farmer's place in one way or another. If you add those two figures together, you will find they give in the neighbourhood of 500 gallons.
All I can say is that, if the other statistics are on a par with the statistics of the Department of Agriculture, which purport to show that a quarter of the milk produced on the average farm is retained for the household—well, I leave it to Deputies.
The figures which are given are those supplied from the records of the creameries in Munster and Kilkenny. The 24 per cent. to which I have referred is a figure given in the statistics supplied by farms.
I am not challenging the veracity of the Minister, but I am asking him if he will make further inquiries before he is satisfied from any statistics furnished to him that a quarter of the milk produced on any farm is retained for the use of the household.
Does that include the feeding of calves?
Yes, and also home butter making, and so on.