PRIMARY PRODUCTION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21573, 8 February 1940, Page 3

PRIMARY PRODUCTION

SUPPLIES OF FERTILISER INCREASED OUTPUT OF SALES There has been a big demand for fertilisers during the past few months and with a view to increasing production quite a number of farmers intend prosecuting a vigorous top-dressing campaign this autumn. A report on the fertiliser industry obtained by the National Council of Primary Production shows supplies of raw materials for the manufacture of superphosphate are now available. Shortly after the outbreak of war some anxiety was felt about supplies of sulphur, but several shipments have recently arrived in New Zealand, and further arrivals are expected. Unfortunately the prices for rock phosphate, sulphur and bags have risen considerably but the Government is taking steps to prevent these costs being passed on to the farmers. In this connection the National Council is stressing the importance of farmers returning superphosphate bags in good condition for further use as the greatly increased demand for hemp has practically doubled the cost of new bags. Superphosphate Production “The production of superphosphate Is being maintained at a very high level, the output from the eight superphosphate works being 30 per cent higher in November and December last than in the corresponding months of the previous year. Over this same period there has been a 100 per cent increase in. sales, due in part to a fear that the selling price of superphosphate would be subject to a sharp rise. This increase of sales earlier in the season is very fortunate in that there will be less strain on railways and transport companies in the autumn when the normal peak of demand occurs. “Though the superphosphate position is considered to be satisfactory the council has arranged with the Department of Agriculture to put in hand trials with promising fertilisers which will conserve supplies of phosphate. This is merely a precautionary measure. It was felt that a considerable increase in the use of lime would materially increase production and an intensive ‘use lime’ campaign is being developed by the Department of Agriculture.”