THE FARM INDUSTRY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2511, 26 May 1909, Page 2

THE FARM INDUSTRY.

BRIGHTER OUTLOOK.

A REAHEAV OF THE FARMER'S " MARKETS.

A glance over tlie markets for our staple products (remarks the “Christchurch Press”) shows that; generally speaking, prices arc good, and the outlook is satisfactory. When the slump in wool set in, about eighteen months ago, it appeared as if it would take several years before any pronounced recovery could bo made, but the sales held in' London during the current year have seen a continuous and rapid rise in prices, largely owing to the revival of the American demand. I With sheep stocks decreasing in some countries or remaining stationary in others, with no large areas of pastoral country awaiting development for sheep raising, and with tlie ever increasing population of wool users and 1 mutton consumers, the sheep industry' appears to bcoii a sound footing. The frozen meat market is suffering at present from over-supply, but we have, seen the same thing happen in years gone by. The increased competition from the Argentine may, however, more than make up for any permanent increased consumption wrought'about by low prices, and there is also tlie lessened spending power of the .people in the United Kingdom to consider. AVe are afraid that, until trade improves in England, the market for our frozen meat will continue depressed so far as New Zealand is concerned. The fat lamb trade is the most important and profitable, and, even now, with heavy supplies on hand, or going forward for the. Home market, our farmers are readily getting 12s to 14s, for their lambs. At tlie same time tlie sharp rise in wool will materially assist to make up, to the large export companies, the shortage in profit on meat. The men who arc likely to suffer most are those who took up land on high wool and sheep values. But •■there outlook lias considerably improved through the rise in prices, and renewed confidence in tlie wool market, and it will be. still better when money becomes easier and interest charges can be reduced.

The wheat grower has now before liim encouragement to increase the area sown in this staple cereal. The world’s wheat supply has apparently, for the time being, got very close down to the consuming requirements, and prices have reached a highly profitable level. A few years ago all over 2s 6d was looked upon as a profit if a good crop was secured but tlie price of land, higher wages, etc., will necessitate a somewhat larger allowance being made now. If, however, a return of anything like 4s a bushel can be obtained' as at present, wheat growing will be profitable again. Oats are not selling at prices on par with those for wheat, and exporters, both of wheat and oats, are sphering from the want of shipping space. ■ , 1 New Zealand dairy farmers have Had a successful season,- both for butter and cheese, and they might do better u thev set about improving tlieir dairy herds bv breeding, testing, and culling. Tlie outlook for New Zealand farmers is therefore, full of promise.