PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 18 August 1925, Page 5

PRIMARY INDUSTRIES.

THE YEAR’S OPERATIONS. Another good all-round year may be recorded for the land industries of the Dominion, according to the agricultural report tabled in the House of Representatives. Production of the primary staples was well maintained, and producers obtained remunerative average returns. A substantial improvement in the beef market was noted, and comment was made on the fact that the great dairy industry scored a further advance, the past season showing a record high level in butter-fat production. The. remarkable expansion in. herd-testing for yield and kindred movements recorded for the, year, together with increased care given to feeding, and more intensive working generally, were factors full of promise lor continued large-scale development of the industry. The Jive Jstaak /ktatisticjp of 1924 showed satisfactory increases in sheep, cattle (including dairy cows), and pigs, while horses remained practically stationary. Regret was expressed at a further shrinkage in the area under wheat for the past season, but as a result of arrangements made, it was hoped that the production of wheat next season would be sufficient for the country’s requirements * without recourse to overseas supplies. The fruitgrowing industry appears to be on its feet, and: the poultry industry continues to hold its own. The hemp industry experienced quite a, good year, but it was a pity that more of the mills were not turning out a higher average quality of fibre. “Although the present position in connection with the realisation of our great staple experts is satisfactory generally,” concludes the report, “prudence, foresight, and; economy on the part of the farming community are none the less called for. The necessity for studying quality of produce and reducing costs of production (including those caused by inflated land values where such exists) is as great as ever. Surplus income in good times should he applied to reducing liabilities. Only in this way can lean years be met with comparative securitv.”