MORE WHEAT GROWING IN SOUTHLAND

Southland Times, Issue 24832, 26 August 1942, Page 6

MORE WHEAT GROWING IN SOUTHLAND

Seed For Crops In Demand The production of wheat in Southland during the coming season will probably be a record for a number of years. This estimate is based on the orders which have been received by millers and merchants for seed wheat to be sown during the next month. Farmers have responded well to the appeal for more production of wheat, and if the season is favourable the output of gram should be the highest for many years. Although the bulk of the seed wheat has been ordered by farmers in the inland districts of Southland, there has also been a fair demand from growers in the coastal belt. The authorities have sounded a warning that wheat grown in such areas may be unsuitable for milling unless the season is exceptionally favourable, but apparently the growers are willing to take the risk of their crop being suitable only for fowl feed. It is not possible yet to discover the exact acreage of wheat likely to be sown down because many growers have retained seed from last season’s crop and have even supplied neighbouring farmers, but orders through merchants and millers have been much higher than usual. A circular is being sent to farmers who have ordered wheat commending them on their patriotism in answering the call for more production, but pointing out that their effort will have no value unless they make every effort to harvest wheat of milling quality. The circular states that the. use of header harvesters is not recommended in Southland except in specially favourable conditions. The wheat should be left in stack to mature and dry before threshing if there is any fear that the moisture content will be too high to bring it within milling quality.