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Tractor Farming What Next ?

7th November 1941
Page 29
Page 29, 7th November 1941 — Tractor Farming What Next ?
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Which of the following most accurately describes the problem?

The War Agricultural Executive Committees are Doing Good Work, But What Will Become of Their Organizations After.

the War?

DRIOR to the war the ordinary

.British working man was almost a stranger to home-grown foods. During the past two years that state of affairs has undergone a profound change—a change that has affected farmers and agricultural workers, as well as large numbers of the general public. Up to a year or two before the' war the authorities showed little active desire to increase food production. We all know how much good work has been put in since then, but what will happen afterwards?

Under the guidance of the various Was Agricultural Executive Committees an extensive, if somewhat indefinite, organization has grown up with the object of intensifying mechanization in agriculture. Stimulation of production in other directions is, obviously, all for the national good. Lazy farmers have been dispossessed and those not so indolent have often taken the hint and fallen into line with the remainder of the agricultural community. But it took some little pressure to bring about this speed-up and upon the Government falls the responsibility for seeing that there is no undesirable reaction.

Availability of Power . Benefits Farmers The benefits arising from the use of tractors and modern machinery have been made available to thousands of farmers whose capital did not run to the • provision of mechanical aids. . -Excellent results have been achieved through the co-ordination of private contractors and the Government machinery operated by the Committees. Strong arguments can be advanced for continuing present arrangements.

Whilst control of any kind is not often received with enthusiasm, the fact remains thlt some form of guidance for the farming community and some 'sort of check on those who cannot or will not make the best use of their land is inevitable, if the farmer is to receive the protedtion that .will probably be necessary to save him from the ruinous effects of dumping.

In a recent address the Archbishop of ;York said that, morally,,the case for maintaining ownership of rural land was very strong, but certain modi fications ought to be imposed. He thought the abuse or neglect of land by a private landlord should render his ownership subject to penalty, either in the form of a fine or total expropriation,. where circumstances were serious.

Another authority, Dr. Newsholme, Medical Officer of Health for Birmingham, addressing a conference of the Royal, College of Nursing, has emphasized the importance of establishing a balanced relationship between industry and agriculture, as well as pointing to the return of people to the. land as an essential past in improving both the country's food supply and the Nation's health.

Many other statements by authorities in different spheres could be quoted in support of a home-provision policy for B/itish agriculture. In actual fact, we know that the County War Agricultural Executive Committees must have a period for clearing up their affairs— but is that going to be sufficient? The present situation has been created entirely by the war. There are now in existence hundreds of relatively inexperienced cultivation contractors and nobody quite knows what would ensue if peace were followed by unrestricted competition between them.

In some parts of the country, there have already been suggestions that rates are being offered which could not be justified by any operator who had records over a reasonable period and proper accounts on which to base his calculations. That state of affairs is susceptible to improvement so long as there is some body that can correct any abuses. Without such guidance chaos might easily develop.

Committees Overcome Wastage and Neglect The work that has been done by the more progressive of the War Agricultural Executive Committees proves how great was the extent of wastage and neglect in the past. Those who are more closely acquainted with the situation will be aware how much more has yet to be done, not only in reclaiming derelict areas with powerful machinery, but in livening up the less progressive farmers' attitude towards power operation.

During recent years farming has ceased to be a way of life and has turned into a business that demands concentration by the individuals concerned, plus co-ordination with other fields of national activity. Had there never been the present form of control, I should have hesitated a long time before suggesting that after the war there should be, chaff we say, agricultural Traffic Commissioners. But that, in a nutshell, is my idea. Otherwise, I cannot see the growing mechanization of agriculture working out fairly and Tully—but I shall certainly be interested to hear what others have to say about the matter. Meanwhile: I am all for the retention of the Committees.

RURAL COUNSELLOR.

Tags

Organisations: College of Nursing
People: Newsholme
Locations: Birmingham, York

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