GREATER FOOD PRODUCTION

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume 68, Issue 5, 15 May 1944, Page 321

GREATER FOOD PRODUCTION

MINISTER ANNOUNCES OBJECTIVES FOB 1944-45 SEASON

Primary production objectives for the 1944-45 season as determined by the Government in collaboration with the National Council of Primary Production have been announced by the Minister of Agriculture (the Hon. B. Roberts). The Minister said that the targets set were reasonably within New Zealand’s capacity as additional man-power would be released for this purpose. “ f I ’HE demand for production to maintain our supplies of 1 butter and cheese is an ever increasing one,” Mr. Roberts said, “and I cannot overstress the importance of providing as great a volume of these, commodities for Great Britain as possible and at the same time making adequate provision for the requirements ■of our allies in the Pacific, our own Armed Forces overseas, and our civilian needs. In such commodities as wheat, potatoes, vegetables, and other crops, increases are necessary for the forthcoming season, and though the part played by farmers in the past is worthy of the highest praise, greater efforts will be necessary if we are to reach our farming objective and play our part to the fullest possible extent on the _ food front. . ' . “At the present time New Zealand is importing large quantities of foodstuffs in which we should be self-support-ing. During the current year it will be necessary to import considerable quantities of stock feed, wheat, and other food supplies. The more stock foods which are grown locally the more shipping space will be conserved. New Zealand should grow as much as possible of .these products for which the country is suited. In setting out our production objectives for the 1944-45 season I do so in full confidence that to the utmost of his ability the farmer will play his part and give of his best to attain the target figure outlined. In setting targets for the coming season, the objectives are reasonably within New Zealand’s capacity, as additional man-power will be released for this purpose. It is naturally impossible to give national. priorities, as all the items mentioned are a national necessity, but each district council of primary production will be given its local production targets.”

PRODUCTION DETAILS. Details of production objectives are as follows: Dairy Products: Production in the season 1943-44 is estimated at 165,000 tons of butterfat, from a milking herd estimated at 1,680,000 cows. The butterfat objective for the season 1944-45 is for a minimum of 180,000 . tons, an increase of 15,000 tons over season 1943-44 estimate. This objective is below the production of the 1940-41 season of 200,000 tons, and the 1941-42 season, when 188,000 tons were produced. To attain this objective it will be necessary to increase the milking herds of the Dominion by 30,000 to 50,000 cows, and the Minister appeals to farmers to utilise all possible heifers and to hold the best in-calf cull cows. Every step should be taken to avoid the slaughter of in-calf - cows suitable for milking. Pig Meats: During season 1943-44 the estimated sow population of the Dominion stands at 75,000 sows, and the total pig meat produced is calculated to be 38,000 tons. Pig meats are a most important commodity in the dietary of the armed forces, and with a view to meeting the requirements of the services and civilians our breeding sow population should be built up to at least 85,000, and our target for pig meats set at 43,000 tons at least. This objective is below the average production of the three pre war seasons. This will mean extensive planning for winter feed on the part of the pig farmer, and the £5 an acre crop subsidy arrangements already announced, adds Mr. Roberts, should give a material incentive to the pig industry to increase production. Details in regard to the operation of the crop subsidy for pigs are ,at present being worked out in conjunction with the National Pig Industry Council, but at this stage it should be made clear that the subsidy will not apply in cases of grain crops which are grown for general feeding purposes. Attention should in particular be focused by farmers on attaining a greater overall production of weight in pig meat by carrying on porker pigs to baconer weight. Meat Production: The estimated production of meat for 1943-44 season, including pig meats, is 480,000 tons. The objective for 1944-45 season should be to produce as much as possible of all classes of meats, particular emphasis being placed on pig meats and beef. The need for meat is urgent and all possible supplies should be made available this year.

CROPPING PROGRAMME. Wheat: The 1943-44 acreage of wheat was approximately 249,000. The objective for 1944-45 should be a minimum of 300,000 acres, which on' normal Dominion average (32.1 bushels per acre) should produce 9,630,000 bushels. Farmers in wheat-growing districts are urged to sow as much wheat as possible. This objective was nearly reached in 1942-43, when 287,000 acres were grown. Z Barley (Malting): The Dominion requirements of malting barley for brewers and maltsters are approximately 1,200,000 bushels. Allowing for seed requirements, pearling, etc., this requires an increased acreage, based on 35 bushels per acre, to 38,000 acres. The 1941-42 acreage was 36,000 acres. < . . - • . Feed Barley: With a view to attaining self-sufficiency in feed barley, of which pig-raisers could use up to 30,000 tons per annum, a considerable acreage should be grown in the North Island. To be self-supporting, approximately 40,000 acres would require to be grown, and though it is realised that such an objective may appear to be high, farmers are urged to-grow as much feed barley as possible. Oats (for threshing): The estimated requirement of threshed oats . for . season 1943-44 is approximately 50,000 acres. To meet full requirements, - approximately 60,000 acres of oats for threshing will be required during the season 1944-45. In the years 1940-41 and 1941-42 over 70,000 acres were grown. Potatoes: For season 1943-44 the potato crop is estimated to be 27,000 acres, with a total production of 108,000 tons of

table potatoes. _ Our requirements for civil and military commitments for season 1944-45 will be approximately 150,000 tons of table potatoes, requiring the growing of 37,500 acres, an increase of 10,500 acres on the past season. , Onions: ( For season 1943-44 the onion crop from 1000 acres is estimated to be approximately 10,000 tons. This is well below requirements and at least 2000 acres for season 1944-45 ’ should be aimed at if we are to be self-supporting in onions. > ' Peas: Peas are an important commodity in the food requirements of the United Nations, and the present acreage of 35,000 acres should be maintained during season 1944-45. Maize: Maize is important for egg and pig production. Our acreage has fallen from 10,700 acres in 1940-41 to 6000 acres in 1943-44. The objective for 1944-45 should be to regain the level of 10,000 acres. Linen Flax: Production of linen flax has fallen from 20,000 acres in 1941-42 to 10,000 acres in 1943-44. For season 1944-45 the minimum acreage required to maintain factories in production is approximately 21,000 acres, and allocations are now being made to each factory district in order to regain the 1941-42 acreage. ■ Other Commodities: Maximum production is required in the following commodities: Eggs, certified seeds, tobacco, vegetables. Steps should also be taken by farmers to ensure adequate supplies of summer and winter fodder crops for fattening and winter feed purposes.