Expedite Mechanized. Agriculture
Page 37
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VITALLY important as is our war effort in the factories and munition works, the maximum production of essential foodstuffs is an undeniable corollary if we are to sustain the energies of our workers and fighting forces at the highest pitch. Whilst it may be possible to continue large-scale importation of wheat and meat- foods on which existence can be maintained we shall have to continue to rely upon our own farms for the supplies of milk and fresh vegetables, which are so necessary to the proper mental and physical condition of the people, and for contributions to the supplies of staple foods which will help to reduce the demands on shipping space.
Expansion of home agriculture has already started with the ploughing up of an area of grassland which will add some 2,000000 acres to our arable land. Mr. R. S. Hudson, appointed Minister of Agriculture in the new Cabinet, has announced extensions to this programme, involving the reclamation of derelict areas and further ploughing up of grass.
Expansion of home food production depends essentially upon tractor power, without which no substantial increase could be achieved, and to a considerable degree upon road transport. Our position to-clay in the matter of equipment is relatively good, but there is evident need for much more practical experience to be put into the Food Production Campaign on the power-farming side. At the same time a really energetic drive must be made to ensure that the inachines available are put to the best possible use.
Possibility of Pooling Tractors If necessary, the tractors in farmers' hands, now numbering some 70,000, should be pooled if it can be shown that the output from the machines could thereby be substantially increased. The supply of reliable drivers needs to be heavily reinforced. Trainees should be placed at once with farmers' experienced drivers to learn the job in a practical way, so that men will be ready to work in shifts and operate the tractors double time or right through the 24 hours in the rush periods. Implements must be made available either for purchase or hire by the farmer, so that no tractor shall be idle for lack of equipment. The service side of the picture is of the most vital nature. When farm machines are in use it is normally because the job on hand must be done quickly and at the right time. Breakdowns, which may mean the loss of a crop, must be avoided if possible or quickly remedied when they do occur, as occur they must even on the best-regulated farms.
To maintain our equipment in the best shape and so safeguard against breakdowns, our farmers and drivers must be constantly reminded of the importance of proper lubrication and running repairs. Every available mechanic who can be devoted to the work of farm-machinery repair should be made available for work in the shops or on farms when the call for help arises.
Spare Parts Must be Available Above all, the supply of spare part, not only for tractors but for all kinds of implements and for the motor vehicles must be the subject of unremitting care and attention. These are generally heldby distributors throughout the country, but, naturally, many dealers do not, for financial reasons, carry excessive stocks. If need be, they must be assisted to raise their spare-parts stock above the normal level, as a safeguard against dislocation due to enemy attacks.
Every blacksmith in the country is also needed to help with repairs, and all who can usefully be equipped with acetylene-welding plants should have them, as a valuable help in emergency repairs.
Additions to our national equipment are being made at good speed in the matter of light tractors, but we need further and substantial supplies of more powerful machines to handle the basic working of heavy or fast ploughing and cultivation. Such supplies of this class of machine as cannot he produced at home should be secured from America before shipping conditions become any more difficult.
The great need in British agriculture is to assemble the best power equipment available, man it with trained people, and operate it with care. The nation's food depends upon this machinery, and that the best possible use be obtained from it is of the utmost importance.