PRICE OF WHEAT

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 68, Issue 27, 12 November 1947, Page 6

PRICE OF WHEAT

Minister Announces Increase 8/- A, BUSHEL FOR TWO SEASONS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 11. The Government has decided to pay Ss a bushel for the 1947-4 S and 1948-49 wheat crops, according to an announcement by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. A. H. Nordmeyer) this evening. A special meeting of representatives of New Zealand growers of wheat, barley, and oats will he held at Christchurch this evening, to consider the new price, which is 8d higher than that originally fixed, and other aspects of cereal production. “It is imperative that the highest possible acreage should bo sown in wheat next year,” said Mr Nordmeyer, announcing the wheat price. “A recent examination of farm costs revealed that certain increases have taken place •since the price for this season’s crop Avas fixed at 7s 4d. Under all the circumstances, the Government has decided to pay 8s a bushel for this season’s crop and to fix the same price for the following year. If, through unforeseen circumstances, the farmers’ proved costs justify an increase beyond Ss, such an ihcrease will be paid to the industry in respect of that crop. “I sincerely trust that the early announcement of the price will induce farmers to sow an increased acreage of wheat. This Avill not only be of advantage to the Dominion, hut will materially assist other countries, particularly Great Britain, in their difficulties.”

DOUBTFUL RESULT LOCAL OPINTON ON INCREASE “If the country wants the Avlieat, it is doubtful if the price announced is a sufficient inducement for growers to increase their sowings,” said Mr A. Amos, Avho is chairman of the agricultural section of Mid-Canterbury Federated Farmers, to-day, in a statement to the “Guardian” _on the new price for wheat. “The farmers on marginal and light land will need something better to induce them to grow wheat while meat and wool are commanding such good prices to-day. With the use of lime and improved strains of grasses and clovers, these farmers at the present time are l,oath to turn from grazing to wheat growing.”