HIGH PRODUCTION

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23801, 21 November 1942, Page 3

HIGH PRODUCTION

THE METHVEN DISTRICT BIG WHEAT FIELDS The incident may have been retailed on this page a number of years ago, but it provides a useful text for this article. About 25 years ago the writer piloted a group of North Island Scottish farmer friends from the Main Trunk down to Southland. The West Coast unfolded its many scenic pictures, but the real thrill was provided when the car topped the hill from the Rakaia Gorge bridge behind Methven. It was on a bright, cloudless December morning. Plantations did not then obscure the view to the extent that they do to-day, and away as far as the eye could reach field after field of green crops, a few changing colour, were to be seen. These North Islanders had scarcely seen a plough in action since they had left their native land, and the sudden unfolding of thousands of acres of the class of crops to which they had been accustomed in their youth, provided for them a “rare sicht.” They talked reminiscently—“it was jist like being at hame,” as one put it. It was only when they were reminded that the hotel—and lunch, of course—was only three miles away that they came back out of dreamland to earth. The writer was reminded 6f this little incident when he had an opportunity during the week of looking down from a slightly higher altitude on the same scene. It was not a bright summer morning, however; there had been a soft, warm rain overnight, and low clouds did not give such an unimpeded view, but many thousands of acres of vivid green crops came under the eye. More than an inch of rain had fallen, and, according to one informant, it was the most beneficial rain of the year. The visit this week was made from the Rakaia end, and the close-up inspection showed that, measured by the appearance of crops, the district must have had several good rains. Wheat fields, even on the lighter country before the foothills were approached, have rarely looked better. A Wheat History Methven has a wheatgrowing history which stands out with that of Longbeach as the two principal wheat granaries in the Dominion. The Springfield estate at times grew up to 5000 acres annually, and the successors in the subdivided properties of to r day are not letting this reputation remain a tradition only. It is impossible to tell the extent to which the district has responded to the appeal to grow more wheat and other crops, as its production is included in that of the whole Ashburton County, but it would , appear that if other parts of the country had performed as well there would be much less need for the anxious appeals to grow more wheat. There are probably more tractors, headers, and modern harvesting equipment in this corner of Canterbury than in any similar sized area of agricultural land in the country. Ashburton County in 1941 harvested just on 70,000 acres of wheat, or more than a fourth of the total acreage of the Dominion. Methven’s contribution was a big factor in this impressive figure. The road adjoining the railway taps big areas of medium, light-medium,and heavy land until Methven is reached, but al lof it possesses good wheat-grow-ing qualities. The dry August-Septem-ber raised seme concern about prospects in the lighter areas, but the rains of the last six weeks have ntade up all the leeway. The crops are well forward and healthy looking. On the rich belt of counrty adjoining the River road—“about the best bit of dirt in the country,” according to a member of the party this week, crops are rarely anything but good, and this season a particularly good harvest should be garnered. I One cannot help but reflect, after a few hours of travelling round a district like this, on the country’s inability to grow all the foodstuffs needed for its own people, and the “visitors” sent here to help us defend it. That immediately raises the question of the methods as to how these needs could be supplied. But why bring that up? Top-Gear Production What can be done in the direction spoken of is illustrated on the farm ' of Mr Alan Watson, behind Methven —“Siberia” —inaptly named, it .would seem, judging by its present state of productivity. This is Mr Watson’s first season on the property, which generally had been devoted to sheep raising, with occasional areas of wheat and crops necessary to carry a substantial flock of ewes. It comprises 2150 acres, mostly flats and _ easy _ down country. Three men, including Mr Watson, with two tractors, have put under the plough for this season, 1250 acres, as follows: 660 acres of wheat, one of the highest acreages of wheat bn one individual farm in the country; 100 acres peas, 60 acres barley, 100 acres turnips, 50 acres swedes, 50 acres rape, and 150 acres green feed. Incidentally 122 per cent, of lambs from a halfbred flock was marked. The wheat crops on “Siberia” take , one back to the days when the big companies were in action, in that jio fewer than 600 acres of the total of 660 are grown in two paddocks. One of 280 was sown in the autumn, and it is a vigorous and healthy looking crop. The larger of the two paddocks, 320 acres, was sown in the spring, exactly two months ago, and for promise of yield is little different from the autumn-sown field. The absence of fences facilitated the work of the tractors, and the spring crop was got in at the rate of up to 75 acres on one particular day. To sow such an area in the spring might appear risky, but the dependable nor-west showers that come down inyariably ensure ample moisture in this area to carry the crop along. It is obvious that such a programme would be impossible without modern power implements and efficient men who can use them to their maximum. Manv farm workers released from camp cannot ,do this. Should Mr Watson have the same efficient labour for harvesting his crop that he had for putting it in he hopes to grow close on 900 acres of wheat next season; it such labour is not forthcoming—for the 1943 sowing—his present year s effort might have to be seriously curtailed. By that time, surely, the farm labour problem will be solved. Ninety per cent, of the farmer’s effort is entirely dependent on such being done.

ZONING HARVESTING PLANTS

IMPRACTICABLE AT PRESENT A very large meeting of members of the North Canterbury Agricultural Contractors’ Association was held m Christchurch during the week. Representatives were present for the whole district, from the Rangitata river to Waiau. The zoning committee set up by the association reported that it had gone thoroughly into the whole ques-. tion of zoning and communicated with approximately 300 contracting owners in the area, and after a thorough investigation it had decided that in present circumstances zoning of threshing and harvesting plants did not appear to be practicable or advisable this season. PONY SHOW Visitors to the Christchurch Show in recent years have been impressed by the large number of young people interested in ponies, and though the Canterbury. Agricultural and Pastoral Association was not able to hold Its annual show this year a committee of horse lovers has organised a pony show and gymkhana so that the spirit may be fostered. This event is to be held on Saturday, December 12, and an attractive programme of events has been arranged. The proceeds of the gathering are to be given to the Patriotic Fund. _