WHEAT GROWING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1942, Page 2

WHEAT GROWING

IMMEDIATE RESPONSE MADE BY FARMERS APPEAL FOR INCREASED ACREAGE. RESULTS SO FAR MOST ENCOURAGING. “There are already indications that Wairarapa wheat growers are determined to do their utmost in response to the urgent appeal to assure New Zealand’s bread supplies,” said Mr N. Lamont, of the Department of Agriculture, today. "A few days ago circulars were sent to all known wheat growers requesting them to state what area of wheat they would grow in the 1942-43 season, and all the replies to hand so far, show very substantial individual increases, even up to 100 per cent over this season’s area.

“While this is most encouraging, it is not expected that regular growers will be able to accept all the responsibility for the increase. To do so, every man in the district who has ever grown wheat would have to average about 60 acres this year whereas the average in the past has been less than 20 acres per grower. Obviously such an expectation would be unreasonable in view of the serious repercussions that this might have on rotations and on the general farm business. It is desired, however, to ascertain from regular growers what they feel they can do, before canvassing is undertaken amongst those who have not grown wheat before and it is hoped that this procedure will reduce travelling to a minimum.

“It would be greatly appreciated, therefore, if growers who have been circularised, and, for that matter, any new growers, would advise the Department of Agriculture or Mr R- H. Williams as soon as possible; what area of wheat they propose sowing for 194243.”