Analytical Yield Investigations on New Zealand Wheat: II. Five Years' Analytical Variety Trials.

Abstract

The task of wheat growing in New Zealand is limited to providing for the needs of a population of 1½ million. Owing to the long distance from other wheat-growing countries it is considered essential for the Dominion to remain independent in its supply of wheat and flour. A sliding scale duty fixes the price of wheat at a level sufficiently remunerative to the grower to insure the production of approximately the required amount. Since 1927, when this duty was introduced, the area under wheat has varied between 236,000 and 302,000 acres, and the annual production between 6½ and 11 million bushels. The requirements for flour milling, seed and stock food being slightly less than 9 million bushels, shortages due to unfavourable seasons are covered by the carry-over from the previous season, and/or by importation. It is only in seasons of excessive yields that export of wheat becomes necessary. Under the compulsory pooling system in force since 1932·3, losses due to the difference between local and export prices are distributed amongst all the wheat growers in the Dominion.