MAIZE PROSPECTS

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 7, Issue 9, 24 September 1943, Page 5

MAIZE PROSPECTS

GROWERS AWAIT ADVICE

NO WORD YET FROM GOVERNMENT

I With a desire to assist the Primary Production Council in its request ior increased cropping of maize, Mr P. L. Baird convened a meeting of growers six weeks ago to discuss the difficulties experienced (luring the past season, also tire costs of production. It was obvious from the discussion that, future planting -would be very much curtailed, if the present unsatisfactory labour conditions and unprofitable returns still existed. From mercantile reports, the stock position s-liows a marked decline on market requirements, a development Avhieh may have a far reaching efl'cct on stock food, if production is not maintained. Since the commencement of hostilities other products of the farm, wheat, wool, butterfat,, vegetables, eggs, have only been encouraged to maximum output by increasing prices or subsidy in some form or other, but the maize grower has had no consideration to balance his increased costs. The price is still at the 1939 level. In conjunction with the. Poverty Bay farmers representations were made to the Government, calling attention, that an examination was due, and asking for a subsidy. The committee set up to deal with the matter lias, so far, had no direct response from the authorities., although in another direction there has been some approach. The indications point to a revision of price, but what it will be is problematical. J The delay in arriving ab a decision is the worst feature, as growers have now little time to carry out the necessary work before planting should be completed.