Agricultural Policy: Not Increased But Rather Readjustment Of Production

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1941, Page 3

Agricultural Policy: Not Increased But Rather Readjustment Of Production

[Per Press Association.—Copyright] WELLINGTON, This Day. PLANS FOR NEW ZEALAND’S AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION IN THE 1941-42 SEASON WERE ANNOUNCED IN A STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE MINISTER FOR AGRICULTURE (MR. BARCLAY). “The production plan drawn up for last season was definitely based on increased output of all products,’ Mr. Barclay said. “The aim during the coming season is not increased production, but rather a readjustment of production. “With regard to production for the export market, the limiting factors are the quantities of various products which Britain will require from us next year and the quantities of each for which she will be able to provide shipping space. “The first general objective is a swing towards wool production rather than meat production wherever this is.practicable. As far as fat lamb production is concerned,-the farming community will he advised of any important developments as they arise. “A swing from sheep farming to dairying is inadvisable as a general principle.

What Britain Asks

“The first specific objective is to grow what Great Britain asks of us. The cheese objective is 160,000 tons, or 40,000 to 50,000 tons more than the current season record production. “Regarding linen flax, the aim is to grow at least 25,000 acres, an increase of nearly 12,000 acres over this year's splendid figure. “The British Government has undertaken to purchase the New Zealand wool clip for the duration of the war and one year thereafter; therefore the fullest possible production should be aimed at. Farmers are recommended to arrange firm contracts with merchants before undertaking the growing of peas.

N.Z. Living Standards

“The second specific objective is to grow what we can use in maintaining New Zealand’s standard of living. The national wheat objective is 300,000 acres, and because of the urgency of the matter area allocations have already been made to the district councils concerned. An acreage of oats approximately equal to the 1940-41 crop for threshing will suffice, about 61,000 acres.

“An area of maize equal to the 194041 crop of 12,000 acres will be sufficient to be grown essentially for poultry. The aim in small seeds is to produce sufficient seeds of arable crops and vegetables to meet Dominion needs, together with a surplus available for export or as a carry over in the case of seeds which do not rapidly decline in germination capacity.

Curtail Baconers

“A local market is assured for approximately 200,000 carcases of pork, and 250,000 carcases of bacon. In addition there is a limited export outlet for porkers. At present there seems little chance of exporting baconers, and, as the local market absorbs less than half of the present output, the production of baconers should be curtailed. “The acreage of oats and barley for green food and of forage crops such as turnips, rape, etc, should be maintained at the same level as in 1940-41. “The aim is to produce sufficient grass and clover seed to make the Dominion self-supporting and also to provide a carry-over to be available to cater for the export trade. Look To Future “Attention should be given to the l’aising of high-class young ewes and oi quality stock generally so as eventually to strengthen our herds and flocks. “As there will be a shortage of superphosphate next year, a rationing system will be introduced. Before deciding to topdress any particular field the farmer should consider seriously whether that field could not be left urimanured for a season without suffering significant deterioration. “Although tne present trend is not towards increasing production generally, finance will still be made available to farmers, but only for projects that are in line with the above national production programme. The change from butter to cheese supply is a case in point.”