English Farming Is Highly Mechanised

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 76, 11 April 1949, Page 3

English Farming Is Highly Mechanised

England was probably the most highly mechanised farming country in the world, said Mr J. S. Haddin,

dairy industry authority, who returned recently from overseas. “England today has 200,000 tractors. She had 50,000 in 1937,” he said. “Cattle, sheep, pigs arid poultry shpwed a big increase over the last 12 months, as did all grain crops. Target for potatoes set by the Government was exceeded by more, than 10 per cent. “Land cannot be cropped indefinitely and soil fertility must be maintained by farmyard manure and balanced agricultural methods. Because of the sound methods of British farmers in past generations, their land is in better heart than it was 100 years ago,” said Mr Haddin.

“I did not see a bad crop or neglected farm. Hedges were neat, drains were free from weeds.” he declared.

There was some need of paint, but buildings were tidy and there was no rubbish in the yards. “England should import more wheat. If more land is to be used for' grazing it will restore fertility and increase fresh meat supplies. Surplus grain could be , stored in silos for emergency,” he said.

Britain was still the most beautiful country in the world and London the most amazing and fascinating city. The people were, quiet, efficient and dignified beyond belief, he added.