MAIZE-CROWING SEASON

Opotiki News, Volume II, Issue 240, 29 September 1939, Page 1

MAIZE-CROWING SEASON

. GHi L'A ’ I Lit AC .1 { EAG hi 1 here is considerable;ietj}dty in the Hay of Plenty mid Poverty Hay at present by the maize-growers and it seems that the area in this crop during the coming season will be increased by-more than ’53 per cent, on the past season. In Gisborne the crop harvested during the past autumn was from about 2030 acres anti yielded mere than 30,000 sacks for shipment to outside centres. If the estimate tor the coming year is correct. there should he over .'3OOO acres under crop in Poverty Hay alone, and with a normal yield l , the amount available 4</,r shipment should he between 40,000 and 50,000 sacks, or the nearest approach to the Gisborne district’s peak production for many years.

When tlie maize-growers were notified of the guaranteed minimum prices for the present year, ranging from 5s .'3d to os 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 added, the ultimate crop should be a very near approach to the ideal.