GOOD FARMING.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 256, 26 September 1935, Page 6

GOOD FARMING.

Diligence in the face of somewhat disheartening odds in the shape of lower prices, and a general application of high skill, in farming, are the two outstanding features of the annual report of the Department of Agriculture, presented to Parliament this week. Most of the statistical data and other points enumerated in the report have already appeared in various other papers, such as the returns of the Meat and Dairy Produce Boards, but the review of the results of farming practice contained in the report makes it most interesting. The steady upward trend in general production which became accelerated a few years back has been well maintained in the twelve months covered by the report, despite the unfavourable dry period of last summer, and this is rightly attributed to the higher standard of efficiency which is to be noted in nearly all branches of the primary industries. Those who have watched the progress of these industries from the outside have been most favourably impressed by the keen desire of farmers generally to carry into practice the advice that is tendered them from time to time; it is safe to say that in no other phase of production is there such a live interest—to benefit by research and generally improve existing methods. So much is this so that for the time being increased production no longer occupies the foremost place in the ambition of farmers generally. Attention is now focussed on the paramount subject of quality and still higher quality, and if the same keen attention is given to this as to the matter of production, there is little to fear for the future. Systematic improvement as far as financial resources will permit has caught the mind of every settler who has his heart in the industry. It is unfortunate that, despite the highly satisfactory manner in which farm production was maintained, there was a sharp decline in the value of the exportable surplus, the falling off of over £6,000,000 for the year up to June 30 last representing approximately 13 per cent. The marked upward trend in farming efficiency deserves a better reward, which it is to be hoped will be facilitated by still better quality where that is being sought.