FOOD SUPPLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23880, 3 February 1941, Page 9

FOOD SUPPLIES

AIDING BRITAIN CURRENT SEASON INCREASES FULFILMENT OF PLAN [from OLII OWN CORKKSrONDK.N'r] NELSON, Saturday A review of the progress of the primary production plan for the current season was given by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. .1. G. Barclay, at the opening of the Golden May Agi i<.'iiltui a 1 and Pastoral Association's show to-day. The plan was formulated by the Government in consultation with the National Council of Production helore the opening of the season and was based 011 the requirements of the United Kingdom. Although the season had some distance to go, there were indications that in the most important parts the plan would he fulfilled. The results reflected the greatest credit on the farmers, stated the Minister, and 110 extended thanks and congratulations to them. Sowing of Crops In all parts of the country increased acreage had been sown in crops to provide leed for the additional stock, and the amount of hay and silage was well above normal figures. A request was also made for the growing of 11,000 acres oi maize, and it appeared that this would be achieved. Most of this was being produced by Maoris in the Fast. Coast district. The only notable failure in additional crop production, continued the Minister. was in growing barley in the North Island. The sowing of from 20.000 to .'5U,000 acres for pig feed had been asked lor, but less than 5000 acres were being grown. It was possible that the figure had been set too high. High Lambing Percentage The additional 10.000 tons of cheese had already been produced, but, in view of losses of shipments, the British authorities had advised that further production was desirable. This was being brought about and the Minister said ho felt sure the dairy farmers would readily respond to the request. 111 spite of the change-over to cheese production, the output of butter was likely to be fully maintained. The farmers were also asked to produce an additional 10,000 tons of bacon, and the killings for the three months ending December were .'1620 tons ahead of last year's period. The grading figures disclosed a commendable standard of quality. The production of mutton. lamb and beef was also assured and the lambing percentage was the best since 1936, there being 750,000 more lambs in the Dominion than last year. The sheep farmer had played a worthy part in the drive for production.