Wheat Growing, Can It Be Made To Pay?

It is a debatable question whether we can continue to produce wheat at present prices, leaving a margin for profit. I have given this matter much consideration, and I have come to the conclusion (whether rightly or wrongly) that, under certain conditions, we may do so.

1.	The questions before us are: Can we compete with America with her cheaper land and greater proximity to the principal markets?
2.	Can we compete with India, where wheat may be grown in almost unlimited quantities, and at an infinitesimal cost?

My answer is, we can; but our wheat crops must be confined to the very best soils, soils which will give us an average of 35 to 40 bushels per acre.

In America the general average is about 12 bushels per acre, and year by year the Home consumption is increasing so rapidly that the surplus for export must gradually diminish.

I think that we have much more to fear from Indian competition. The wheat growing industry in that Country is said to be capable of vast expansion. As yet it is only in its infancy. When proper machinery is brought to bear upon it, in the way of cleaning and grading, it will become a formidable rival.

Our only chance will be as I have just said, to confine wheat growing to the best lands. The lighter descriptions of soil will pay better page 11 if devoted to growing turnips, oats, barley, and grass. Thanks to the frozen meat trade, we have a local market for oats whenever it touches the point at which it cannot be sold to profit. The price may, I think, be fairly fixed at 1s. 3d. per bushel for sheep feed.

In sending wheat to England, care should be taken to send only the primest sample. The seconds will pay better if cracked and fed to sheep, pigs, or dairy stock If this system were general, New-Zealand would soon regain her lost prestige as a wheat grower. The late Mr. Mechi used to preach that when corn touched a certain price in a falling market, it then paid best to send it to market on four legs instead of on wheels.

I am glad to say that some farmers in this country are becoming alive to this fact. Had they not done so, oats would now be an unprofitable drug. I believe that it will be found that oats may be shipped with profit if only the sample is made to turn the scale at 48lb. per bushel. The profitable feeding of sheep on oats is a mathematical question, and one which has been carefully worked out by Lawes and Gilbert.