FOOD SUPPLIES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 34, 10 February 1941, Page 2

FOOD SUPPLIES

AIDING BRITAIN CURRENT SEASON INCREASES FULFILMENT OF PLAN. NELSON, Feb. 1. A review of the progress of the primary production plan for the current season was given by the Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. J. G. Barclay, at the opening of the Golden Bay Agricultural and Pastoral Association’s show' to-day. The plan was formulated by v the Government in consultation with the National Council of Production before the opening of the season and was based on the requirements of the United Kingdcmi. Alhough the season had some distance to go, there wens indications that in the most important parts the plan would be fulfilled. The results reflected the greatest credit on the farmers, stated the Minister, and he extended thanks and congratulations to them. Sowing of Crops. In all parts of the country increased acreage had been sown in crops to provide feed for the additoinal 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 of maize, and it appeared that this would be achieved. Most of this was being produced by Maoris in the East 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 30,000 acres for pig feed had been asked for, but less than 5000 acres were being grown. It was possible that the figure had been set too high. High Lambing Percentage. The additional 15,000 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 he felt sure the dairy farmers would readily respond to the request. In 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 3620 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 sheepfarmer had played a worthy part in the drive for production.