THE FARMING OUTLOOK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19453, 8 October 1926, Page 8

THE FARMING OUTLOOK.

Sir, —Your article on " The Farming Outlook" is well up to the mark, especially where it stresses the over use of motor-cars and attendance at sales. But it does not take into consideration that many farmers have no inducement to exertion on their farms because of the financial situation, and also that the farmer has nature to fight and nature never sleeps. Even top-dressing, splendid and all that it is, done judiciously, may lead to trouble, if other factors, nature's factors, are not considered. Dr. Slosson rightly says that butter and cheese are "canned air." But that air cannot be availed of unless grazing is done scientifically. Plants need air to help "digest" their food, but unless they are allowed the use of their leaves they can only use what is already in the ground, and when that is used the land is called "deteriorated," though it is only "air" products. Again, top-dressing costs money and when a lush season comes along the pasture is better without it, as it has been shown that over-lush grass is productive of various stock diseases that are not only a loss, but discouragement to farmers. There is surely enough science in the world to be able to forecast a good growing season or a bad one. Right along farmers are up against nature on one side and economic conditions on the other side. No wonder they get discouraged. The community shares their success, but leaves them to bear the losses alone. Surely it is not beyond the wit of onr legislators to devise methods whereby the community can ease farmers' losses. Sam A. Browne. Olevcdon, October 26, 1926.