MAINTAINING BRITISH FOOD SUPPLY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 175, 19 April 1940, Page 9

MAINTAINING BRITISH FOOD SUPPLY

Vast Ploughing Campaign Succeeding

'British Official Wireli‘«<RUGBY. April 17. Farmers in Britain, who are working in the worst ploughing season in living memory, have won a great victory on the agricultural front. The Ministry of Agriculture ploughing campaign aiming at 2,000,000 acres is almost certain to .succeed, 1,900.000 acres of grassland uaving already been prepared for seed. The resulting increase in the cereal crop is estimated to effect a saving of £2.000,000 in shipping space. The March census of cattle, which was a record at the outbreak of war. shows a slight rise, and the number of sheep, which is also very high, has not perceptibly diminished. The decline in the pig and poultry figures has been far less than ever the Ministry expected in view of the feeding stuffs position, 't’la? position of equipment and fertilizers is highly satisfactory. Drainage work lias been intensified. These facts, together with increasing supplies from the Empire, have enabled the Food .Ministry to announce that Hie present distribution of butler and bacon can be continued for some time, despite that supplies from Denmark are cut off. The Ministry adds that '.lie occupation of Denmark makes very little difference, and the public in general need have no cause for anxiety.