FARMING AFFAIRS
This column is supplied weekly by Federated Farmers of New Zealand]. The information given is official but any views expressed are those of the federation and are not necessarily those of this newspaper. PRODUCTION SURVEY As part of the programme for securing increased production in the Aid for Britain Campaign, Federated Farmers lias completed a survey throughout the various branches. The results have been forwarded to the Aid for Britain National Council, but do not indicate any great increases. Butterfat production is expected to be increased by approximately 5 per cent, provided normal summer and autumn seasons are experienced. A favourable season might maintain the present increase to date of 10 per cent. If the summer and autumn seasons are again favourable, lamb slaughtering should be up by 3 to 4 per cent, and last season’s sheep kill should be maintained. Similarly unless there is a drought, last season’s record beef kill should be maintained. Pig slaughtering, too, is expected to remain at last year’s figures and given favourable weather conditions, it should be possible to maintain last year’s record exports of all meats, amounting to 305,000 tons “ bone-in ” weight. Most provinces have reported that they are already producing to full capacity in certain lines. It appears from reports that any increase in one type of production will probably mean a reduction in another type. Wheat and oat production is expected to decrease. Reports indicate that wheat for the 1947-48 season will be reduced by approximately 14 per cent on the 1946-47 figures. Oats similarly, are expected to be reduced by 5 per cent, on 1946-47 production. An increase is likely in barley and production is expected to be increased by approximately 20 per cent, on the 1946-47 figures. Factors which militate against increased production have been listed as a result of reports received. Supplies of fertiliser are inadequate and in most cases have been delivered too late to effect much benefit for the current season. Efforts should be made to prevail on the works to increase their rate and volume of production. Any long-term increase in production requires sub-division of old pastures, the fencing of new areas and the maintenance of existing fences. Additional cropping can be carried out only if wire is available to fence off cropped pastures. The prevailing shortage of wire, therefore, is an important factor retarding production. The shortage of baling wire and twine, likewise militates against greater productive effort. Reports received at head office of the Federation show that there is a large unsatisfied demand for farm tractors, spare parts, and implements. Many tractors and implements are old and worn out. They need replacing and adequate supplies of new machinery must be provided. The shortage of farm labour has necessitated the use of labour saving machinery which must be made available to the farmer in adequate volume if production is to be either maintained or increased. The shortage of labour is another factor reported on by provinces. It is having a serious effect on cropping as farmers are not prepared to plant unless they can be assured that labour will be available for harvesting. There has been a shortage of labour on farms for years and farmers have therefore been forced to plan their production on the basis of a limited and inadequate labour supply. A major factor in that problem is rural housing. The National Council has been asked to make representations to the Government to grant farmers first priority for a percentage of available building materials.
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Lake County Mail, Issue 33, 21 January 1948, Page 8
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586FARMING AFFAIRS Lake County Mail, Issue 33, 21 January 1948, Page 8
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