Pig-recording clubs, sponsored by the Government and the agricultural colleges, functioned from 1929 to 1936. Producers, feeling the need to apply quickly the lessons learnt by the recording clubs, approached Government to set up a national advisory service. The National Pig Industry Council resulted. Its main aim was to improve pig husbandry through an advisory service. It was active between 1936 and 1952. An officer of the Department of Agriculture acted as executive officer and supervised the work of nine district supervisors who were employed by district pig councils.

In 1952 reorganisation took place with the setting up of the New Zealand Pig Producers' Council, a purely producer body working under the aegis of the New Zealand Dairy Board. The Council works closely with the Department of Agriculture and depends on it for most research and technical guidance. The Department has a representative on the Council.