THE LIVE STOCK INDUSTRY 



H. S. ARKELL, Assistant Live Stock Commissioner, Ottawa. 



(1) Our Export Trade 



In a list of the articles, in connection with which we may expect to do export busi- 

 ness, there may be included — eggs, poultry, bacon, hams, pork cuts, frozen pork, beef 

 for mincing purposes, frozen beef, chilled beef, beef offal, including hearts, livers, tripe, 

 etc., canned corned beef, potted meats, pork and beans and army rations. 



It may also be of interest to note, although the matter is not within the purview of 

 our live stock trade, that there exists a very important demand, as having reference to 

 articles that Canada can supply, for canned and dried vegetables, canned fruits, fruit 

 jams, butter and cheese. 



Eggs 



British Imports — Of this commodity, as of many others, Great Britain is the 

 largest importing nation in the world. She imports very heavily from Russia, Denmark 

 and other countries, but, as is well understood, her normal supply has now been very 

 seriously interfered with on account of the war. In 1913 her imports from Russia 

 amounted to the value of £4,745,229 while in 1915 her import from that country had 

 decreased to £1,748,822. Great Britain's total imports of eggs, which in 1913 amounted 

 to the value of £9,590,602, in 1915 fell to the low level of £6,122,970. These figures 

 tell their own story. Because of this deficiency Canada was able to export last year, 

 to the United Kingdom, eggs to the value of £584,234. ($2,800,000). 



Opening of the Market — As the export business developed, particularly during 

 the fall months, the Canadian trade was able to realize that, notwithstanding difficulties 

 and costs of transportation, it might become a lucrative one for this country. There is 

 good reason to believe also that 7 despite some losses that occurred on a falling market at 

 the end of the season, British wholesalers have been able to obtain a useful profit upon 

 their Canadian purchases. In sympathy with the export market, Canadian prices 

 have considerably stiffened as against normal values since August last. Moreover, it 

 is already apparent that the extent of the purchases which will be made to meet the 

 demands of this trade may, with some confidence, be depended upon to hold prices to 

 producers at a gratifyingly high level during the current year. An examination of 

 British values, with respect to new laid stock, fresh Irish, as also Russian, Dutch and 

 American supplies reveals the fact that a satisfactory revenue to the producer, whole- 

 saler and the British produce merchant may be obtained by the enterprising prose- 

 cution of this business. 



It is generally expected that during the period of the war, while free supply of 

 Russian eggs is interfered with, Canada may be able to continue the exportation of 

 large quantities at remunerative prices. The head partner of one influential importing 

 firm, after discussing the matter very freely with me in London, has already visited 

 Canada, with the view of making large purchases for April, May and possibly fall 

 delivery. 



Continuance of Trade — Following the war the continuance of our export trade 

 in eggs will be seriously challenged by Russian competition. Viewing the matter 

 carefully, however, from both the British and Canadian standpoint, it does not appear 



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