THE FOOD FRONT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24869, 15 April 1944, Page 8

THE FOOD FRONT

1944.45 SEASON NEEDS PRODUCTION GOALS GOVERNMENT'S APPEAL (P ,, WELLINGTON. Friday "With a view to assisting farmers to plan production for the coming season a production programme setting out the objectives which the Government desires to attain has been compiled m conjunction with the National Council of Primary Production," stated the Minister of Agriculture and Marketing, the Hon. B. Roberts, to-day. Hie demand for production to maintain our supplies of butter and cheese is an everincreasing one, find I cannot over-stress the importance of providing as great a volume of these commodities for Britain as possible and at the same time making adequate provision for the requirements of our Allies in the Pacific, our own armed forces overseas and our civilian ne "ln such commodities as wheat, potatoes, vegetables and other crops increases are necessary for the coming season, and, although the part played by the farmers in the past is worthy of the highest praise, greater efforts will be necessary if we are to reach our farming objectives and play our part to the fullest possible extent 011 the food front. Imports of Foodstuffs "At the present time New Zealand is importing large quantities of foodstuffs in which we should be self-suppoiting. During the current year it will be necessary to imprtrt considerable quantities of stock feed, wheat and other food supplies. The more stock ioods which an jgrown locally the more shipping space will be conserved. New Zealand should grow as much of these products for which the country is suited. "In setting our production objectives for the .1911-45 season, I do so m full confidence that to the utmost of Ins abilitv the farmer will play bus part and give of his best to attain the target figures outlined. 1 am further confident that primary production councils and all farming organisations will this year, as in the past, get behind the production plan and make the 1944-45 season one of maximum effort. "In setting targets for the coming season the objectives are reasonably within New Zealand's capacity, as additional manpower will be released tor this purpose. It is naturally impossible to give national priorities, as all the items mentioned are national necessity, but each district council of primary production will be given its local production targets. Dairy Objective

"Dairy production in the season 1943-44 is estimated at 165,000 tons of butter-fat from a milking herd estimated at 1,680,000 cows. The butter-fat objective for the season 1944-45 is for a minimum of 180,000 tons, an increase of 15.000 tons over the season 1943-44 estimate. This objective is below the production of the 1940-41 season of 200,000 tons and the 1941-42 season, when 188,000 tons were produced. "To attain this objective it will be necessarv to increase the milking herds of the Dominion by 30,000 to 50,000 cows, and I appeal to farmers to utilise all possible heifers and to hold the hest in-calf cull cows. Every step should be taken to avoid slaughter of in-calf cows suitable for milking. Meat Production

"During the season 1943-44 the estimated sow population of the Dominion stood at 75,000 sows and tho total pigmeab produced is calculated to be 38,000 tons. Pigmeats are a most important, commodity in the dietary of the armed forces, and with a view to meeting the requirements of the services and civilians our breeding sow population should be built up to at least 85,000 and our target for pigmeats set at 43,000 tons at least. This objective is below the average production of the three pre-war seasons. This will mean extensive planning for winter feed on the part of the pig farmer, and the £5 per acre crop subsidy arrangements already announced should give a material incentive to the pig industry to increase production. "Details in regard to the operation of the crop subsidy for pigs are at present being worked out in conjunction with the National Pig Industry Council, but at this stage it should be made clear that the subsidy will not apply in cases of grain crops which are grown tor general feeding purposes. Attention should, in particular, be focused by farmers on attaining a greater overall production of weight in pigment by carrying on porker pigs to baconer weight. "The estimated production ot meat for the 1943-14 season, including pigmeats, is 180,000 tons. The objective for the 1941-45 season should be to produce as much as possible of all classes of meats, particular emphasis being placed on pigmeats and beef. The need for meat is urgent and all possible supplies should be made available this year. Cropping Programme

"The 1943-14 acreage of wheat was approximately 249,000. The objective for 1944-45 should be a minimum of 300,000 acres, which on the normal Dominion average (32.1 bushels per aero should produce 9,630,000 bushels. Farmers in wheat-growing districts are urged to sow as much wheat as possible. This objective was nearly reached in 1942-43, when 287.000 acres were grown.

"Dominion requirements of malting bailey for brewers and maltsters are approximately 1,200.000 bushels. Allowing for seed requirements, pearling, etc., this requires an increased acreage based on 35 bushels per acre of 38.000 acres. The 1943-44 acreage is 35,300.

"With a view to attaining selfsufficiency in feed barley, of which pig raisers could use up to 30.000 tons per annum, considerable acreage should be grown in the North Island. To be selfsupporting approximately 40,000 acres would require to be grown, and. although it is realised that such an objective may appear to be high, farmers are urged to grow as much feed barley as possible. "The estimated provision of threshed oats for the season 1943-44 is approximately 50,000 acres. To meet the full requirements, approximately 60,000 acres of oats for threshing will be required during the season 1911-45. "The 1943-44 potato crop is estimated to be 27,000 acres, with a total production of 108.000 tons of table potatoes. Our requirements for civil and military commitments for the season 1944-45 will be approximately 150.000 tons of table potatoes, requiring the growing of 37,500 acres. For the season 1943-44 the onion crop from 1000 acres

is estimated to ho approximately 10,000 tons This is well below requirements, and at least 2000 acres for the season 1944-45 should bo aimed at if we aie be self-supporting in onions. . "Peas are an important commodity in the food requirements of the United Nations, and the present acreage of 35,000 acres should be maintained dm ing the season 1944-45.. Maize is miportnnt for W »■■?, I"S , Our acreage has fallen from 10,/W acres in 1940-41 to 6000 acres in 19 .3-44 file objective for 1944-45 should be at least 10,000 nci cs. on nnn "Linen Hnx hm fallen from 20,U0U acres in 1941-42 to 10,000 acres in 1943-44. For the season 1944-40 the minimum acreage required to factories in production is approximately 21 000 acres, and allocations are now being made to each factory district in order to gain the 1941-42 acreage. "Maximum production is required m. the following commodities:— Kggs, certified seeds, tobacco, vegetables. Steps alvso should be taken hv farmers to ensure adequate supplies of summer and winter fodder crops for fattening and winter feed purposes." The Minister concluded by repeating his statement that, as soon as possible, he would issue a further statement indicating the provincial and, perhaps, the district targets at which it would be advisable to aim. I ■ i i • ; i