PRODUCTION OF WOOL

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 666, 18 May 1929, Page 27

PRODUCTION OF WOOL

COSTS COMPARED STEADIER MARKETS EXPECTED In the course of a review of the past wool season, Wincheombe, Carson, Ltd., mate an interesting comment on the changes in market values and production costs which have been in progress during the past few years. Between 1923 and 1925 sheep pasturing was most attractive. Greasy wool sold at an average of 24d a lb. Owners with a good type of sheep secured 20s a head and over for their wool. Pastoral production was looked upon as a sure road to fortune. Under that influence partly cost of production advanced. Now wool has dropped 33 to 40 per cent., but the advanced expenses have not diminished. Prices of raw material such as wool are largely governed by what the multitude of consumers are able to pay for the finished material. As an illustration, the review points out that the cost of a ready-made suit for a man in most countries abroad is limited to above five guineas. Millmen feel that influence, and must give it attention in purchasing their raw materials. As an instance of the vagaries of prices, it is mentioned that in exceptional instances brisk bidding forced the price of brokers of a particular clip to a higher level than that secured for the fleece grown on the same sheep. Discussing the future of market prices Wincheombe, Carson, Ltd., say there is little doubt that from now onwards wool will not vary so decidedly in value as it has since 1920. “A decline to 1914 prices is not likely,” and it is added, “it is questionable whether wool could be grown anywhere in the world on that basis. It certainly could not be in Australia. The Commonwealth has undoubtedly been in the van in advancing her working expenses. Costs elsewhere have not risen to the same extent, but they have risen. Increased transport charges on land and sea have been experienced everywhere. Stores of all descriptions have advanced in cost, and wages in practically all countries have increased. SOIL FERTILITY DETERMINING FACTORS There are many factors which influence soil fertility, the principal ones being the available supply of plant food, and the physical and biological condition of the soil. The conditions necessary for optimum plant growth are: (a) There must be a sufficiency of water; (b) there must be a sufficiency of air; (c) there must be a sufficiency of plant food; (d) the conditions regarding temperature must be correct; (e) the plant must have adequate root room; and (f) tonic or poisonous substances must be abIsent Any one of thqse may be a “limiting factor” as regards fertility of soil.