GOOD FARMING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 May 1938, Page 3

GOOD FARMING

RECOGNITION OF BASIC PRINCIPLES JUDICIOUS ECONOMICS In every part of the agricultural areas there are men who, by the common consent of their fellows, are known as “good farmers.” What are the factors which secure for such men this pleasing designation? for pleasing it undoubtedly is, not only from the standpoint of the individuals particularly concerned, but also from that of the district in which they are established. Almost invariably it will be found that a man who is popularly acclaimed as a good farmer is the possessor of that invaluable quality, personality. No man probably has ever achieved anything in life really worth-while whose presence has not immediately impressed those with whom he has been brought into contact. Good farming demands the recognition of three basic principles—judicious economy in time, in labour and in money. Good farming makes management in every branch of farm production return a profit, and it also leaves a farm at the end of 50 yearsin a state of production as high as, if not higher than, it was at the beginning.

No frian can be a good farmer who is entirely lacking in business capacity. He must have a proper regard for land, crop and stock values, and realise the need for making the best use of whatever opportunities may be presented to him, but all the business ability in the world will not make him a “good farmer” in the true sense of the term unless he also is animated by sound ideals.

It may be thought, without reflection, that there is little scope for idealism in farming, but that, as a matter of fact, is far from being the case. Ideals are as desirable and as necessary in winning a livelihood from the land as they are in any and every other pursuit, if one would aim to reap all the advantages and all the satisfaction available.