AGRICULTURAL REPORT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 September 1927, Page 1

AGRICULTURAL REPORT

AVELLINGTON, Sept. 8.

The report of the Department of Agriculture was presented to Parliament to-day. The Minister states: “The year’s aggregate value of exported agricultural produce is "on a par with that for the preceding year, hut to correctly assess the position comparison must be made with the year 1924-25, from which level (allowing for certain movements in the domestic market for produce) the value has fallen by 10 million sterling. Cattle other than dairy cows, registered a further decrease in the animal 'enumeration, and beef experts (apart from the boned article) showed another marked drop in quantity. “Needless to say, the shrinkage in cattle is a serious matter in relation to pasture management, especially on the rougher country, and all reasonable steps should he taken to encourage the raising of this class of stock, even though unfortunately the values for frozen ox beef on the British market so far continue at a depressed level. Tlie existence of a very fair and growing domestic market for beef must nob be lost sight of, however. It is reassuring to note, of late, indications that the position may largely right itsef in the near future. A strong demand for young cattle is reported from several important grazing districts.” Touching on arable farming the report says: “All cereals showed increases in area cropped compared will: the season of 1925-26. especially as regards wheat. The feature of this section was the bountiful wheat harvest. the average per acre yield constituting a now record for the Dominion. It is satisfactory to note in consequence that very little, if any, importation of this essential grain will he necessary before next.' harvest. At current prices this year’s wheat crop adds over two and a quarter millions sterling to the gross revenue of our primary producers, or about one million more than the wheat returns for 1925-20. Wheat production forms one of the major items of agricultural income, pertaining almost entirely to our internal trade and as such not appearing in the statistics of exportation.

“The season’s oats and barley yields showed increases and maize advance'! in total production, potatoes remaincd practically stationary in area, hut the yield was somewhat reduced. Turnips and mangolds both showed someshrinkage in area. Linseed fell away heavily in area, hut a much higher per aero yield almost made up this deficiency. A decreased total yield of rye grass and an increase in cocksfoot were recorded. There was a great stimulus in fruit growing during the venr.”

Referring to the outlook, Mr Hawken states that the present economic position docs not justify the pessimistic attitude taken up by many people. On the contrary the prospects warrant reasonable confidence.