SHORTAGE OF BARLEY.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 177, 31 March 1915, Page 2

SHORTAGE OF BARLEY.

ADVICE TO N.Z. FARMERS, GROW AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. The Department of Agriculture has already brought under the notice of farmers the effect of the vav on the supply of wheat and oats and lias urged the desirableness of increasing ns largely as possible the area under those crops. It is now in receipt of information as to the market prospects of 1 alley, which will be of interest to growers in New Zealand In a review of the situation a British firm of importers points out that the vac has cut off the supplies of barley usual!v received from European countries. Even if tlic war were to terminate be/orss next European harvest il is considered by those in the trade best able to judge that the supplies next year will be short. Apart from th,' areas under military occupation the drainage of men from ail cumb"t;i nl co.iarEes ts bound to very seriously affect the. ares grown. If hostilities are con'iauod and the Dardanelles remain closed, the position will he move serious still. During November and December The prices of all classes of barley have advanced considerably, on the Britisn market, the rise being as much as »/• per quarter in two months. Importers are looking anxiously for orher soirees of supply and would be pleased to got

Into touch with firm# in countires m a position to export. Opinion is veiy definitely expressed that New Zealand growers of barley would find it extremely profitable to grow larger areas. In bringing the master under notice, the Department desires to mention that if later New Zealand is in a position to export, information as to, the names of British firms desiring to obtain supplies can be given to enquirers. Application should be made to the directors of the Fields Division ofjdie Department of Agriculture, Wellington.