MAIZE PRODUCTION.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 28 April 1928, Page 16

MAIZE PRODUCTION.

Speaking to a Gisbpro pressman regarding maize production on the East Coast this season, Dr. Freeman, of the Agricultural Department, said that the yields are not anticipated to be so great as in a more favourable season. The recent storm had laid the crops, which had previously presented a vigorous and forest-like growth, and had given great promise of producing abundantly. As' this had been succeeded by unfavourable weather conditions, he continued, the stands will yield probably as high as 20 per cent, lower than in a normal season. It would, therefore, be readily realised to what extent this would influence the returns of maize growers and the material wealth of the district. The maize crop is a highly important farm crop on the Poverty Bay plain, and although heavy yields are recorded there each year, it is possible that these might be considerably augmented if growers gave the matter of seed) scIction the attention which is commensurate with its importance. Dr. Freeman stated that he hoped to investigate this factor, both in Poverty Bay and Hawke's Bay, in the near future, as it meant so much to the individual grower. The importance of the selection of plants and seeds in' farm crop production was not so fully realised as it should be by farmers who are intent on securing the most remunerative returns from farm managemnt. This was of no less importance than the selection of stock in animal breeding.

Dr Freeman predicted that farmers who paid attention to this important, phase of their work would in future be among the most successful. Maize grain, ho added, is a valuable food iu pig feeding, and there are indications of considerable extension of the bacon, and pork export trade. New Zealand should endeavour to produce as. much maize as possible to meet the local needs. It is undoubtedly a very profitable crop to grow. There are areas in Hawke’s Bay that are eminently suited for the growing of maize, and it is possible that greater areas will be grown in the future than has been the case in the past.