GROW MORE WHEAT

Timaru Herald, Volume CLI, Issue 22201, 19 February 1942, Page 4

GROW MORE WHEAT

An Urgent Need Planning For 1942-1943 Season “Present indications are that with the labour problem now acute sufficient wheat production for next year is not assured,” a “Timaru Herald” representative was informed yesterday when making inquiries in regard to the imperative necessity of a largely increased acreage being sown for the 1942-1943 season. “With labour on most farms at a premium less cultivation can be done.” the speaker continued. “There must be a very strong temptation for farmers to direct their war effort into the channels that are economic. They must carry on. They must live. The possibility of insufficient wheat being grown next year is considered to be a definite one deserving of early and serious consideration. “In these days of difficulties and danger many people are wondering in what way they can best help the war effort,” he added. “Of all sections of the community doing their bit few are working under greater difficulties than the farming community. Farm labouring has never been a very lucrative calling, and of recent years Public Works have proved more attractive to many farm labourers. To offset this, improved machinery, tractors, header harvesters, etc., have come to take the place of these workers to a very large degree. Shortage of Labour “For many years Canterbury has been the wheat granary of New Zealand. As a war effort a continuation of wheat growing is regarded as a vital necessity. Up until quite recently the labour problem on farms has not been really acute, but the last ballot has made heavy inroads into an industry already struggling along. “These last two seasons have seen the linen flax industry established. Parts of South Canterbury have proved eminently suitable. While Government ventures are seldom noted for efficiency, South Canterbury growers have received very practical and helpful advice from the Department of Agriculture, and the combined result has been most satisfactory so far as the farmers are concerned. Growers, mercantile Institutions and the Department of Agriculture have all helped. A good job of work has been done in this war effort. On suitable land it has proved most profitable. “With the cutting off of overseas sources of supply South Canterbury has again been afforded the opportunity of another war effort by the growing of small seeds previously imported. Again good team work has done a good job. Mangold seed, rape seed, turnip seed, clovers, ryegrass—all have been grown most successfully. Not only will New Zealand’s requirements be met, but possibly there will be a surplus for export. This small seed Industry is also proving a payable one. It does not impoverish the land and, except for a few lines, calls for less labour than wheat growing. Heavy Costs “Wheat growing definitely impoverishes the land,” he concluded. “In effect, each sack of wheat going down the road takes part of the farm with it. Farmers as a whole are a patriotic body of men. Until recently they have regarded wheat growing as their war effort. Now they have at least three choices for patriotic effort, two profitable, one definitely unprofitable. The price of wheat was fixed by the Minister of Agriculture several years ago. There is some reason to believe a promise was made to the wheat growers’ representatives that if costs were increased the price would be raised. Costs have Increased greatly. The price has not been raised. Farming efficiency varies, but it can be taken as a careful estimate that on an average South Canterbury farm 30 bushels of wheat to the acre at the present price just pays the working expenses. Thirty bushels per acre does not allow for rent, rates, interest, depreciation of land or resowing. Tire South Canterbury average is not much above that figure.” .