Norwich bulletin., 1918-03-27
THE REAL FARM
 MACHINERY SITUATION
Probably Win Be Enough But Orders
 Should Be Placed Early.

The question has undoubtedly arisen in the minds of many farmers as to whether they will be able to secure apl machinery this spring, or whether the manufacturer will be able ts supply the requirements of all. Also there have been statements made to tho effect that the manufacturer will have trouble in securing raw ma tcrial from which to make his prod ucts, SO 1 have attempted to secure definite information regarding the subject
 As the situation now stands, all raw materials of steel for the manufacture of farm machinery are secured through Priority Committee at Washington. These priority certificates are of Class B-1. which places them second in the list or just after munitions. This clearly indicates that the Govern ment considers Agriculture of the nert in importance to munitions. Manufacturers when securing these certificates must declare that the ma terials secured are to be used for no other purpose than the manufacture of farm operating equipment This iS undoubtedly being adhered to rigidly.
 Now let us see what the direct effect Is to be upon the farmer. In talking the situation over with one of the agents representing the branch of a large firm which does considerable business in New England. I learned that they already had in their New England warehouses practically enough machinery to supply the anticipated trade for the spring and summer of 1918. So far then as this manu- 4aa s f1f raw materials is not going to bother us in the immediate future, and I be- heve that this condition is general However. this is no excuse for us to sit back quietly and wait until we need these machines to order them. in Tact just the reverse should be true we know our order can be filled now and possibly later on it cannot. al- though another implement man tells ne they expect to be able to fill all orders for machinery, but not for tractors
 -.5n regard to the tractor situation few figures may be interesting. and enlightening. It is estimated that from 10to 12 per cent. Of the horses and from 12 to 15 per cent. of the mules of the country have beer shipped abroad. further that it will re- ouire f40.000 more tractors to replace this loss on American farms. An au- thority who has studied tractor pro duction tells US that only s0.00O farm tractors can be produced this year The conclusion is simple and coincides with the statement of the implement man cited above. So far as tractors are concerned then, it will be mat ter of first come, first served" and the line will form early.
 Now so far as farm machinery il general is concerned there probably will be enough. but anyone knowing the transportation situation will or de- his machinery immediately and al repairs should be ordered at the very earliest date because ther will un- doubtedlv be a shortase of repairs before the season is half over. i: completed machine in a warehopH l50 miles away under present trans. Doriation conditions is farther avay lyf point of days required for delivery than was machine. the raw material, for which. were still at the steel mills r1der normal conditions. This is
 matter of the utmost importance wit, the present shortage of labor when fh rn,v solution Is a greater use of farm rlachinery and any delays at thi