INTENSE ACTIVITY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20050, 23 September 1939, Page 15

INTENSE ACTIVITY

SPRING CROPPING GISBORNE DISTRICT WuRK INCREASED MAIZE AREA MORE LUCERNE PLANTED LESSON FROM DRY SEASON Everywhere on the Gisborne flats at present there is intense activity in preparing the ground for spring cropping, and the indications are that largely increased areas will be planted in some crops. • The work is further ahead than it was at this time last year, when the abnormally wet winter followed by the strong, drying winds left the ground baked hard and difficult to work. The rainfall throughout the winter this year was light, and the dry conditions of the last two months have left ample opportunity for farmers to go ahead in turning their ground over. The outbreak of war also has hastened work somewhat, and some farmers, fearing a shortage of labour, worked their tractors day and night in order to get ahead with the work. There are more tractors than usual at work in the Gisborne district this year Over 3000 acres of Maize The greatest activity appears to be among maize-growers, and it seems that the area in this crop during the coming season will be increased by more than 33 per cent on the past season. The'crop harvested during the past autumn was from about 2000 acres and yielded more than 30.000 sacks for shipment to outside centres. If the estimate for the coming year is .correct, there should be over 3000 acres under crop, and with a normal yield the amount available for shipment should be between 40,000 and 50,000 sacks, or the nearest approach to the district’s peak production for many years. When the maize-growers were notified of the guaranteed minimum prices for the present year, ranging from 5s 3d to 5s 9d on a monthly increment basis from July to December, they indicated their aim to grow sufficient maize for the Dominion’s needs without any necessity to import. They are now putting their promise into practical execution, and although the area now being prepared may not produce sufficient for the Dominion’s needs, even with the Bay of Plenty crop addeef. the ultimate crop should be a very near approach to the ideal. Nearing- Peak Production

The district’s largest output oT maize was 13 years ago, when be tween 50,000 and 60,000 sacks were sent away, but a rapid decline in production followed as a result of erratic markets, and during the slump period only 16,000 sacks were available for shipment from one season’s harvest. A gradual recovery has been made since then, however and the coming season promises to be the biggest since 1926.

Supplies of maize are coming forward in satisfactory quantities at the September minimum rate of 5s 6d per bushei, f.0.b., Gisborne. All requirements are being met. Little inquiry is being experienced yet for seed maize, but the bulk of the demand is not expected until next month .Supplies of selected maize for seed purposes are available at present ~at 13s 3d to 15s per bushel, cx store.

Some indication of the manner in which the total area in maize has been increased is provided by a statement which shows that most 01 the .growers who produced maize last season are enlarging the areas then under crop. Many with only about 10 acres intend growing 50 or 60 acres, while some with none at all last year intend returning to this branch of the industry with at least small areas. Inquiry For Lucerne There is little inquiry for grass .seed; there seldom is in Poverty Bay during the spring. Lucerne seed, however, is being keenly sought. Farmers, mainly tne dairy men, remembering the exceptionally dry spell last summer and keeping in mind the fact that those with good lucerne stands felt the pinch less than others without any such crop, are preparing lucerne stands, while others with small areas are arranging to put down additional paddocks in that crop

Merchants have been experiencing a .steady inquiry at 2s 6d to 2s 9d per lb for Hunter River and Marlborough types, this price being 6d per lb above the rate .asked last season. A little oats and barley is being sown, but the total demand for these green crops is not very great. All over the flats small areas of iand have been turned over, the activity in this respect appearing to be greater than ever before. The serious position threatened by the war and the necessity for New Zealand tc grow as much food as possible to supply the United Kingdom no doubt has prompted many farmers to maintain production at. as high a level as possible, and it is felt thav this is responsible in some degree for the intense activity going on throughout the flat land in the district.