BARLEY PROSPECTS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 29 March 1915, Page 4

BARLEY PROSPECTS.

A WORD TO NEW ZEALAND

FARMERS.

BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, March 29. The Department of Agriculture has already brought under the notice of farmers the effect of the war on the supply of wheat and oats, and has urged the desirableness of increasing as largely as possible the area under these crops. The Department is now in receipt of information as to market prospects for barley, which will be of interest to growers in New Zealand. In a review of the situation a British firm of importers points out that the war has cut off the supplies of barley usually received from European countries, and even if the war were to terminate before the next European harvest it is considered by those in the trade best able to judge that supplies next year will be short. Apart from areas under military occupation, the' drainage of men from all the combatant countries is bound to very seriously affect the area grown, and if hostilities are continued and the Dardanelles remain closed the position will be more serious still. During November and December the prices of all classes of barley advanced considerably on the British market, the rise being as much as 5s per quarter in two months. Importers are looking anxiously for other sources of supply, and would be pleased to get into touch with firms in countries in a position to export. The opinion is very definitely expressed that New Zealand growers of barley would find it extremely profit* able to grow larger areas. In bringing the matter under notice, the Department desires to mention that if later New Zealand is in a position to export, information as to the names of British firms desiring to obtain supplies can be given to enquirers. Application should be made xo the Director of the Fields Division, Department of Agriculture, Wellington.