DAIRY PRODUCTION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 160, 6 June 1940, Page 6

DAIRY PRODUCTION.

Three factors affecting very materially the Dominion’s dairy industry—upon which the economic structure of the country depends—stand out with impressive clarity in the review of the industry just issued by the National Dairy Association. They are the inability of farmers to meet steadily rising costs by means of the guaranteed price, a trend toward lower production in recent years, although this season’s figures show some recovery, and a shortage of suitable farm labour. All three are closely related, and in any programme devised to meet the situation all must receive the closest attention. They are not the outcome of the war, but have been accentuated in a degree by it, particularly in relation to labour, for the statement recently issued 'anetot recruiting figures shows that a high percentage of farm workers have joined the forces. The preservation of the balance of production, while encouragement is given to men to strengthen the fighting forces, is one of the main tasks facing the Government, and it can be said that in dealing with this alone the' Government would receive much aid by taking full counsel with the National Party. Production figures show a recovery since December last, due to more favourable weather conditions, but it is a matter for considerable thought that in the past two years, as set out in the Association’s report, there has been a decrease of 5800 in the number of dairy farmers. The upward spiral in costs goes ahead of the guaranteed price, and it is these costs that call for most attention. In butterfat equivalent the gradings of produce last year showed a reduction of over ten per cent., and that on top of a substantial drop in the preceding year. At December in the present season the outlook was no more favourable, but the bounty of Nature has brought about a marked improvement; it is many years, it is stated, since such favourable conditions for production have been experienced in the remaining months of the season. It is more necessary than ever that this industry be fostered. The farmers have taken up the war cause and are determined to let nothing impede this wherever possible, but labour and costs conditions revealed in the Dairy Association’s report call for a speedy remedy. '