GROW MORE WHEAT.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 133, 8 February 1915, Page 7

GROW MORE WHEAT.

URGED IN VICTORIA. In the Victoria Journal of Agriculture for December, Mr A 10. V. Ricnardsen, M.A., B.Sc., brings forward weighty reasons to convince growers cf the advisability cf their sowing an increased area in wheat timing the Doming season, both from patriotic and financial considerations. He points cu t that during every great war wheathas risen in price, and Ins usually kept up for several years; that in most of the wheat-producing countries of Europe, either through the fields being the actual battle-grounds of the ; contending armies, or through the withdrawal of men and horses by mobilisation, or partial mobilisation (in neutral countries), a large shortage in European production is inevitable; and that, although every country outside Europe will endeavour to sow as much wheat as possible, there was insufficient time between the outbreak of hostilities and seeding of winter wheat in the Northern Hemisphere to permit more than the usual acreage being prepared. On the other hand, Australia has five clear months before tire sowing season, which gives ample time for thorough preparation. It is noticeable that Mr Richardson gives as one of- the most helpful factors in inducing farmers to sow larger areas a positive assurance from the Government that the price cf wheat will not bo fixed. This can be heartily endorsed. Tite urgent need for thorough cultivation cf the ground is pointed out. The growing crop cf wheat needs 4m of rain which can be conserved by careful cultivation . means at least an extra bag to the acre.