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ill the sowing of spring crops. Details of estimated crop acreages and the comparative figures for 1945-46 are as follows: 1945-46. 1946-47 (Estimated). Acres. Acres. Wheat . . . . .. 164,286 140,000 Oats (all purposes) . . . . 182,123 160,000 Barley (all purposes) . . . . 54,717 59,000 Potatoes . . .. .. 23,228 19,000 Onions . . . . .. 1,387 1,200 Peas . . . . . . . 32,740 31,000 Maize (for grain) . . .. 7,034 9,670 Wheat. —The acreage in wheat was the lowest for several years, mainly because of the unfavourable sowing conditions in the autumn, but a big proportion of the crop was sown in spring. Autumn- and winter-sown areas did not do as well as those sown in "spring, samples from the farms generally being pinched, and of low bushel weight. The weather was better suited to spring-sown crops, which yielded well in most districts. Oats.—Crops recovered satisfactorily from adverse spring conditions and .yields were anticipated to be slightly above average. Harvesting was carried out under good conditions and the quality of the grain was mostly up to average. Barley.—The area in barley again showed an increase, the late season no doubt having some influence on this, because some areas intended for other crops such as wheat or peas were diverted to barley. In the main the yields were good, and favourable samples of malting-barley were secured. There was axx appreciable increase in the growing of feed-barley crops in many districts where malting-barley cannot be grown. Potatoes.—The area sown in potatoes showed a reduction on the past few years. Early crops were affected by the cold spring and yields were lower than usual. Main crops were planted late and some areas in Canterbury had to be replanted owing to very wet conditions, but in spite of early setbacks most crops grew through the summer satisfactorily and the prospects are for normal crops to be harvested. Onions.—Owing to the wet spring, crops in the main growing districts were sown late and did not come away well. The prospects are not as good •as in the previous season, although harvesting weather is favourable to long keeping. Peas. —As weather conditions were not good for sowing, many areas were late sown. Crops generally have dofie well, with yields of field varieties about average. Garden varieties, however, were variable in yield, but harvestingconditions were conducive to satisfactory quality. Maize. —Despite the drought of the summer and autumn of 1946, maize crops in Poverty Bay and the Bay of Plenty yielded satisfactorily. An increased acreage was sown in maize last season, and although early growth was checked by the dry spring and early summer, the crop made excellent growth later and, there are indications that yields will be above average. Chop Advisory Committees Various Advisory Committees in connection with specific crops continued to function during the year and have been of material assistance both to the Department and to growers. The Barley Advisory Committee consists of representatives of growers and brewers. The Onion Marketing Advisory

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