LOOKING AHEAD

Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14776, 15 October 1921, Page 4

LOOKING AHEAD

The occupation of a farmer compels him to look ahead; it lias been said that the real farmer must conduct his affairs as though he were going to live for eve. - . A farm with its live stock, its crops and its system may be compared to a miniature world; it must keep' moving to survive—to stop means certain disaster. That is why a wave of pessimism infecting the farmer Is a very serious matter to everyone. It means, to a certain extent, a cessation of not only present-day activities, but also a stoppage of the development of plans for future progress. And this faith in the future of a district, a country, a n empire, or a world is of great importance at a time like the present. At this date last year farming prospects were never brighter: to-day the grazier is up against it to the extent of having to carry on without profit or interest on his capital, while it is doubtful whether he is able to pay his taxes or the interest on his mortgage—if he is fortunate to have one only.' Indeed, to all who are not lucky enough to be dairymen the future must be black. .But why should the future appear gloomy to the New Zealand farmer? He at all events seems to be better off than his brothers in any part of the world. Our climate and soil are still of the best, and the actual living of the farmer and his family need not be below the former standard. It is truethere may be less money to spend, and that, various economies, which of late have not been necessary, may again be imperative, but these are only small details, which, beyond lending zest to life, are of little consequence. Stock statistics disclose the fact that sheep in the Dominion have declined in numbers. At first glance this may appear a retrograde step on the part of our graziers, but when it is remembered that the cattle of the country have increased at the rate of cne beast for every three sheep, which have declined, practical men will see that the carrying capacity of our pastures is now 'taxed greater than ever. That thih. should be so is not sound business, especially wtien it is pointed out that the root crops grown within the Dominion are practically the same as ten years ago, when the number of stock was much less. It is vain at a time like this to promise the farmer a rise in prices—for he is just as capable of reasoning the matter as anyone else. We may point out, however, that all slumps and booms are artificial, and are both alike unsound. Conditions change quickly; a year ago the world vas booming, to-day we are slumping, and next year we may be on the top of another wave of prosperity. Let us therefore be reasonable. It seems probable that the farmer has at present about 1,000,000 cattle and some sheep of certain classes which he may be better without. The prospects for carrying store stock are poor or worse, while fat cattle, in a year's time, may again show a sound profit. The soundest and best way out of our difficulties, as regards live stock, is for the farmer—every farmer —to concentrate his efforts on growing fattening feed for next winter. The weather .conditions, although late, arc ideal for ploughing for swedes, and a special effort may save millions to the farmer and country.