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Hokitika Guardian, 19 August 1926, Page 2

Tin: old order is changing, and in sympathy the conditions governing agricultural pursuits are steadily changing. Agricultural economics are now being suggested in relation to farm management. Pointing out that agricultural economies play an important part in farm management, the Rural Credits Commission, in reporting to Parliament, affirm that the increasing competition from other countries will compel greater attention to the need for up-to-date scientific and economical farming methods in (New Zealand. “The most expert management of pastures, the careful breeding of more re r inunerative animals, and the use of the most suitable seeds and fertilisers,” it is stated, “are matters which are receiving the attention of our competitors, through their Agricultural Departments, to an extent which is not realised in New Zealand. These subjects provide an important corollary to agricultural credit. Extended credit facilities can be more safely provided where the farmer is familiar with farm costing and is able to trace losses and estimate profits. This is jusE as important a phase of agriculture as a grasp of the principles of production. 'Farmers are not unknown whose excellence as producers is more Gian offset by inefficient book-keeping and finance. Constant effort is being made in England, America and Europe to provide the farmer with a simple method of farm costing and to instruct him how to make use of it. This is really the obvious view, and the remarks are vet new, but it is well to have the case plainly restated, for farmers as a class are slow to move out of a grove, nnd it is as well to bring up modern changes for full consideration as frequently as possible.