ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24327, 18 June 1940, Page 3

ASPECTS OF PRODUCTION

PROBLEMS OF THE DAY INCREASING THE OUTPUT MEETING THE EMERGENCY “Some Aspects of Primary Production in War Time” was the subject of an address given by Messrs James Begg and A. C. Cameron at the meeting of the agricultural section of the Royal Society. Mr C. V. Dayus was in the chair. Changing Conditions In opening the first address, Mr Begg traced briefly the history of farming in Otago, and described the changes that had taken place. At the present time New Zealand was essentially pastorale and agriculture played only a comparatively small part except in so far as local requirements were met for livestock supplementary feed, and for cereals and roots for people in this country. New Zealand has virtually no chance of exporting agricultural products on a basis that can compete in price with that produced in other countries. In discussing the questiori of increased production, Mr Begg stated that two aspects might be considered. First, there is that of increasing the number of animals available for export as meat. Both cattle and sheep are comparatively slow in increasing and maturing, and any marked increase in these would take some years to become effective. Pigs, on the other hand, can be increased much more rapidly, and there is every, indication that an increase in this direction is the only one possible at the present time when rapid results are required. The second aspect is that of increasing the weight of individual animals before slaughtering. While agreeing that such an object was desirable, Mr Begg issued a note of warning that if this were carried to excess by, say, carrying on lambs to, 601 b, this could be done only at the expense of feed required for the ewe flock. In moderation, however, this policy was possible and had much to commend it. With regard to increase in production on grazing country. Mr Begg left no doubt in the minds of his audience that such increase can best be carried out t j the top-dressing with lime and phosphate of many areas that are now not adequately treated. Every endeavour should be made to attend to this, especially with regard to lime, of which unlimited supplies are in the country ready to be worked. Concerning pigs, Mr Begg stated that some years ago there had been a phenomenal increase in the pig population, but that in recent years a rapid decline had set in. At the present time it was the duty of farmers to arrest this decline and to recommence the building up of the pig population. There is no doubt that this can be done 'if the farmers set themselves to it. The two requisites for this are. firstly, the provision of an adequate supply of fattening feed which would involve the free importation of cheap barley and. secondly, the absolute necessity for sound instruction in matters pertaining to swine husbandry particularly in respect of : keeping the pigs in a healthy and thriving condition. " ; In concluding his address, Mr Begg ; considered that, although arable crops , may be developed rapidly, the only one that showed much promise of success was linen flax. It was considered that 1 if this can be grown successfully the country will have made a valuable con- ' tribution to the war effort. Labour and Costs. Mr A. C. Cameron, the second speaker, indicated at the beginning of 1 his address that during the past 10 years the stage had been set for such an increase in production as is re- ■ quired at the present time. For ex- : ample, in the South Island there had been a 60 per cent, increase in the use 1 of lime during the last five years An- ; other instance is that 10 years ago 2 1-3 million acres were top-dressed in New Zealand. Last year tlie area was 4 1-5 million acres. Labour-saving devices : had also increased rapidly over the , same period tractors had increased by about 5000. Threshing mills had increased from 443 to 675 and the same 1 applied to many other labour-saving 1 devices., i Continuing, Mr Cameron stated that i production at present depends on three main factors. First, the supply of efficient farm labour; secondly, the : question of rising costs; and, thirdly, I the question of enthusiasm. Regard- , in the latter question, Mr Cameron : stated that in his opinion enthusiasm was lacking at the present time, and, although there might be good reason for it, it was essential that producers should get on with the job on hand, and that any grouches that they had should be either removed or piut on one side. In his opinion an immediate effort should be made to get the wholehearted co-operation of these unenthusiastic farmers. ‘ With regard to farm labour, the speaker suggested that an endeavour ; should be made to follow the lead of ; Britain in the use of women for such work as tram conductors, postal messengers, and so on. This would release ; men for harder work, including farm- ■ ing. In connection with pig production, ! the speaker was in complete accord ; with Mr Begg, and stated that it was ‘ the opinion of many experts that this increase could best be carried out : by the formation of co-operative piggeries in conjunction with dairy factories. At the present time. 30,000 pigs could be fed on the whey that is going down the drain in Otago and Southland. The time may come, stated \ Mr Cameron, in conclusion, when compulsion in production may be necessary, but he hoped that enthusiasm ; rather than compulsion would do the job. Following a long discussion, a hearty vote of thanks to the speakers was carried on the motion of Mr F. L. C. Scrivener.